Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
New scheme will tackle 'unconscious bias' and lack of opportunity for BAME youngsters, says cricket coach
A NEW initiative tacking inequality in cricket, delivering a holistic mentoring programme to children, will be launched in January 2021 by Croydon-based coach and digital marketing consultant, Trevor Fordyce.
PACE (Partnership Achieving Cricket Equality) driven by Trevor’s not-for-profit firstballacademy.com includes coaching and supports development in related roles such captaincy and umpiring.
“Cricket has a history of elitism which PACE wants to change. We plan to break down barriers and help equalise the field, making cricket more accessible and inclusive by supporting members from all walks of life, irrespective of skin colour, culture, gender or wealth,” says Trevor Fordyce, who has been a qualified coach for more than six years.
Under the PACE initiative, launching on 30 January 2021, local schools will be registered through outreach to develop a network of afterschool clubs and training Hubs. Trevor Fordyce wants to reflect the quality of coaching and opportunity in independent schools, for students in state schools, “The more people who play, the more opportunity for matches and the better the competition - that’s what cricket is all about.”
He welcomes the announcement last week that the Surrey’s Ace Programme will launch as a new independent charity to create opportunities for black talent to access the game, but worries that more exposure is required. Though the ECB's South Asian Action plan launched in 2018 is a ‘fantastic’ initiative, Fordyce said, he heard about it just three months ago. His opinion is that more needs to be done to address the Asian audience and get clubs involved on a localised level.
“There is a clear divide between opportunity in the leafy middle-class area of Purley in Croydon and the more inner-city areas of Norbury and Thornton Heath for example, where especially state school children lack exposure, confidence and support from an institution. I am a firm believer that unconscious bias, under-investment and a distinct lack of active role models in prominent positions is driving minorities away from Cricket in the UK, where there is a fundamental, often hereditary passion for the sport,” says Fordyce, whose amateur career started as a minority black youth at the 300-year-old Mitcham Cricket Club.
“For the last five years I’ve observed the colt’s Surrey trials in Guildford for varying age-groups and there is a clear majority of white youth in attendance. From a talent perspective, there need to be greater awareness of these trials to engage a more diverse profile of candidates. The trials cover Surrey and South London where there is a significant south Asian community actively playing cricket in parks and cages. Unconscious bias will not go away immediately but through the PACE initiative we aim to identify, nurture and support BAME talent. We want to have a Surrey County team with more players from diverse backgrounds for our youth to aspire to.”
From a working-class background himself, it was extremely difficult for him to follow his dream to become a professional cricketer. So, he learnt the hard way that ‘funding’ is also important to develop a cricketer from a minority background.
PACE drive will help kids in this regard, by providing accessories and affordable payment options. Children from a BAME background may have talent, drive and enthusiasm to take up the game, but they don’t have the facility, kit, guidance and mentorship. Through PACE and my academy, I just want to give them that.”
“What I am today is because of cricket. So, I want to pass on these qualities to the younger generation through the game. I know that in many clubs, players lack confidence. Cricket gives you leadership skills and the assertiveness to adapt, it also improves resilience and team spirit. If kids from a BAME background believe that they can do it, they sure can achieve anything in cricket,” he says.
Fordyce explained, “In 2018 I was umpiring an U13’s match between Purley vs Addiscombe. One player caught my attention because of his positive attitude and will to win. Post-match I identified his father and attempted to poach him to play for Purley. His family were from Chennai, India and left because their son was not getting an opportunity to improve his cricket.
"They ended up in a small flat in Thornton Heath. On a low income, his parents could not afford the annual membership fee to join Purley in 2019 so I negotiated a three-part payment plan with Purley for him to join. I mentored and coached this talented young man and at the end of 2019 he won the batting award for the most runs scored.
"In the winter, again money was an issue for them, so I waived my Winter Nets training fee in exchange for the father’s time assisting me coaching the boys. At the end of the 2020 season, the player won the Players Player of the Year Award. This is what PACE is all about, giving talented kids an opportunity irrespective of economics, irrespective of where they live, what they look like or where they come from.”
According to him,“Diversity in cricket needs to reflect diversity in the UK, more BAME talent in the county and England teams will create role models like Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. The PACE initiative aims to create more players, coaches, and admin officials from minority backgrounds”.
THE UNITED STATES has deported 1,563 Indian nationals since January this year, with the latest group arriving last week, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that most of these individuals were sent back on commercial flights.
“From January 20 to July 16, some 1,563 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States,” Jaiswal said. He added that most of these Indian nationals arrived by commercial flights.
He said that deportations take place only after the nationality of the individuals is confirmed. The US authorities share lists of people to be deported, and the Indian side verifies their nationality, he added.
“People have been coming in batches on commercial flights. Last week also, we had people who came back,” Jaiswal said.
Earlier this year, the deportation of over 300 Indians on three US military flights led to controversy, as women and children were reportedly handcuffed.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Singh, the JUI-F nominee, hails from the Malik Deen Khel tribe in Bara, Khyber district.
A SIKH religious leader, Gurpal Singh, has been elected unopposed to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly on a seat reserved for minorities and allocated to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), the provincial election commission announced on Thursday.
Singh, the JUI-F nominee, hails from the Malik Deen Khel tribe in Bara, Khyber district.
The reserved seat was awarded to JUI-F after the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) formally withdrew its candidate, Gorsaran Lal, in favour of Singh. This gave JUI-F an additional seat in the provincial assembly.
Shahida Waheed of the Awami National Party was elected to a reserved seat for women through a draw. The draw was conducted on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s directive to allocate one reserved minority seat between PML-N and JUI-F, and one reserved women's seat between ANP and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmakers.
Following the draw, Shahida was declared successful.
The Election Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday had announced its decision regarding the allocation of reserved seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. These seats for women and minorities are distributed proportionally among political parties based on their numerical strength in the assembly.
Former prime minister Imran Khan’s party had formed the provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following last year’s elections.
(With inputs from PTI)
Keep ReadingShow less
Yellow warnings remain across England and Scotland throughout the weekend
An amber thunderstorm warning is in place for parts of south-east and eastern England from 04:00 to 11:00 on Saturday
Rainfall could reach up to 100mm in a few hours, risking flash flooding and widespread disruption
Frequent lightning, large hail, and gusty winds are expected, affecting travel and infrastructure
Yellow warnings remain across England and Scotland throughout the weekend
Soil dryness from recent heatwaves increases risk of surface runoff and flooding
Hosepipe bans remain unaffected due to limited groundwater recharge
Met Office issues amber warning ahead of torrential rain and storms
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for thunderstorms on Saturday morning, covering parts of south-east and eastern England. The warning is in effect from 04:00 to 11:00, with accompanying yellow alerts stretching across much of England and Scotland.
The warning highlights the potential for torrential rainfall, with 20–40mm expected in just an hour and isolated areas seeing up to 100mm within a few hours—more than a month’s worth of rain. This is likely to result in flash flooding, transport delays, and other significant disruption.
Where will be worst affected?
The most intense rainfall is forecast to move into central southern England, south-east England, and parts of the Midlands overnight on Friday. The system is expected to push into northern England and Scotland by Saturday.
Rainfall in northern Scotland could become slow-moving by Sunday, increasing the risk of localised flooding. Further downpours and thunderstorms are likely into Sunday and Monday as a low-pressure system establishes itself over the UK.
What other risks are expected?
In addition to heavy rainfall, affected areas may experience:
Frequent lightning
Large hailstones
Gusty winds
These hazards could bring delays or cancellations to road, rail, and air transport, and increase the risk of power outages.
Why dry ground could make flooding worse
The recent spate of summer heatwaves has left soils particularly dry across England and east Wales. According to meteorologists, baked ground struggles to absorb rain, especially when it falls quickly.
This causes water to run off the surface, dramatically increasing the likelihood of flash flooding, even from short bursts of rain.
Will the rain ease the drought or lift hosepipe bans?
Despite the severity of the rainfall, experts say it will not significantly impact current drought conditions. The Environment Agency reports that 2025 has seen the driest start to the year since 1976.
Much of the heavy rain will run off into rivers or out to sea, without effectively replenishing groundwater or reservoir levels. Additionally, water that does soak into the ground may be quickly taken up by plants and trees during this growing season.
As a result, hosepipe bans are expected to remain in place for the rest of the summer, potentially extending into early autumn. Only a sustained period of wet weather, typically seen in the autumn or winter months, would be enough to reverse the current water shortages.
Keep ReadingShow less
The diagnosis has prompted a wave of public attention
President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a vascular condition affecting blood flow in the legs
CVI occurs when leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart, often leading to swelling and discomfort
The condition was confirmed following visible leg swelling and bruising
Though not life-threatening, CVI can worsen without treatment
Trump’s case has sparked public interest in the risks and management of the condition
Trump diagnosed with common but chronic vein condition
President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects the proper circulation of blood in the legs. The announcement followed public speculation after Trump was seen with visible swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his hand during recent public appearances.
According to a statement from White House medical staff, tests ruled out more serious cardiovascular conditions. Trump, 79, remains under regular observation, with the condition described as benign and manageable.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a long-term circulatory disorder in which the veins in the legs fail to efficiently pump blood back to the heart. This is typically caused by weakened or damaged valves inside the veins, leading to blood pooling or flowing backwards—a condition known as venous reflux.
Unlike a sudden or acute event such as a blood clot, CVI develops slowly over time, often unnoticed in its early stages.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can range from mild to more serious, and commonly include:
Swelling in the legs or ankles
Aching, cramping, or heaviness in the lower limbs
Visible varicose veins
Skin thickening or discolouration, especially near the ankles
In more advanced cases, ulcers or open sores
The symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting, and may ease with movement or leg elevation.
Who is at risk?
CVI is more common among:
Individuals aged 50 and above
People with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Those who are overweight or sedentary
Individuals with high blood pressure
Pregnant women and those with a family history of venous disease
Age is a major risk factor, particularly for individuals in their 70s and beyond. Trump’s diagnosis falls within this common demographic.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, followed by imaging tests such as duplex ultrasound to assess blood flow and valve function in the leg veins.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Options include:
Compression stockings to improve circulation
Lifestyle modifications such as exercise, leg elevation, and weight management
Medications to reduce inflammation or thin the blood if needed
Minimally invasive procedures, such as laser therapy or sclerotherapy, for more severe cases
Trump’s condition is reportedly being managed conservatively, with no indication of surgical intervention at this time.
Why does it matter?
Although not life-threatening, CVI can affect comfort and mobility, especially in older adults. In Trump’s case, the diagnosis has prompted a wave of public attention, highlighting the pressures of health scrutiny for leaders in high office.
The condition itself is common and treatable, but left unmanaged, it can lead to chronic swelling, discomfort, and skin complications. Trump’s medical team has confirmed that his overall health remains stable, with regular monitoring in place.
Keep ReadingShow less
Urooj Ashfaq is quickly becoming one of the most exciting voices in stand-up comedy
Urooj Ashfaq is quickly becoming one of the most exciting voices in stand-up comedy – not just in India, but on the international stage. After years of building a loyal following with her sharp, playful humour and refreshingly honest storytelling, she made a major mark at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe, winning the prestigious Best Newcomer Award. It was a breakthrough moment that catapulted her from popular Indian comic to a global name to watch.
Since then, she’s been touring internationally, selling out shows in India, the UK and beyond, and earning rave reviews for her mix of relatable comedy, bold observations and joyful absurdity. Now, she’s returning to London and Edinburgh with her latest show How To Be A Baddie, previewing at Soho Theatre in July before another much-anticipated run at the Fringe.
Ahead of her 2025 summer UK shows, Urooj shares her Top 10 Comedy Moments – from viral sketches and food deliveries to unexpected dance parties, shoutouts from comedy legends and her hopes for the Fringe this year.
Urooj shares her Top 10 Comedy MomentsInstagram/uroojashfaq
Participating in Queens of Comedy:
It was India’s first all-female comedy competition! We did formats of comedy in every round. It pushed me to create well on a timeline, and it taught me a lot about being on sets and shoots. More importantly, all the girls had a great time just giggling and crying through the whole thing together. It is lovely to have made the friendships I did on the show.
The Ahmedabad audience having a dance party at the end of my show in February 2025:
I was touring with my new show How To Be A Baddie in February, which I am previewing at Soho Theatre in London in July and bringing to the Fringe Festival in August. I was on my period that day and was lying face down in the green room in pain before the show. I have a section in my show where I read One Direction erotica – and a song by One Direction plays at the very end of my show! I think the audience that day was lovely. The show went so well – there was so much joy in the room, the audience had a giant dance party at the end and I couldn’t feel my cramps anymore.
Meeting Phoebe Waller-Bridge:
In 2023 at the Fringe Festival, I met Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She came to watch my show and hung out with us later. It was so kind of her, and we had the best time chatting with her. It’s a core Fringe memory for me forever.
Daniel Sloss gave me a shoutout after watching my show:
Another memory from the 2023 festival was when Daniel Sloss came to watch my show and liked it enough to recommend it to people to come watch, it was surreal! I was overjoyed by his warmth – and it helped my sales so much. Phew!
Winning Best Newcomer at the Fringe in 2023:
That was a very big year for me.
Doing food deliveries after starring in a viral comedy sketch by the comedy group AIB:
I starred in a sketch called If Apps Were People by AIB, a legendary Indian comedy group, back in 2016. The video did really well and I was a delivery girl for my sister’s breakfast and brunch service Eggcetra at the time. I would show up outside their rooms with the breakfast for students at a nearby fashion institute and they would open the door at 8 am bleary-eyed, looking like they had seen me before and they just couldn’t tell where. One time, a man recognised me and asked me, “Do you still take tips?” I said, “Yes sir, I’m pursuing a career in comedy, please tip me!”
Releasing my first YouTube video:
It is a big day in the life of an Indian comedian when we release our first YouTube video. It is our debut into the online world of comedy, and it really helps build our audience. My first video really helped me build that and be able to tour. It was a very important moment for me.
Playing Tara on Pushpavalli:
Pushpavalli is an iconic Indian comedy‐drama series on Amazon Prime created by Sumukhi Suresh. I played Tara in the duo Tara and Srishti, who are the Siamese twins of evil. Srishti was played (both were largely written) by the hilarious Sumaira Shaikh, who is my college mate and we started doing stand-up comedy together. It was so fun to be on set and shoot this series. The characters were so mean and evil and funny, we had the best time playing them.
Being a question on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire hosted by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan:
On Season 15, Episode 31 (I’m really casual about it), this specific question was asked: “Which Indian comic won the Best Newcomer award at the prestigious performing arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe?” The guest on the show that day was a legend in the Indian comedy scene, Zakir Khan. My entire family watches this show and they were stoked to see my name pop up, everybody called my parents and they expressed some pride about me. It was really sweet.
I’m saving this spot for something magical at Fringe 2025:
Maybe One Direction will come to my show and applaud my erotica reading, maybe I will be the first person in history to receive a 15-star review – “We had to increase the number of stars for her! She was just so good!!” Or maybe, just maybe, I will have a Fringe with zero cries in the meadows.
Urooj Ashfaq: How To Be A Baddie At Soho Theatre in central London from July 21-26. Then Monkey Barrel 4 at Monkey Barrel Comedy, 9-12 Blair Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QR from July 30 – August 24.