Staffordshire batsman Zen Malik has realised his professional dream after signing for Warwickshire.
The 26-year-old, who has penned a two-year deal at Edgbaston starting in November, has been an outstanding performer in the National Counties Cricket Association.
Malik has scored almost 1,200 runs in 14 Championship matches for Staffordshire, including four centuries and six 50s, at an average of 49.
He was part of the Staffs side which won the East Division in 2019 before narrowly losing to Berkshire in the Championship final.
And his stellar performances for Staffordshire have extended into the white-ball format.
Staffs pathway product Malik, also a handy leg spinner, helped the county to win the NCCA Twenty20 Cup for the first time in their history in 2023.
‘Great opportunity’
“It’s an amazing feeling to have signed my first professional contract,” Malik told the Warwickshire website.
“I’ve worked hard over the last few years, knocking on the door of professional cricket, and for that to be rewarded at a club like Warwickshire is incredible.
“What can members and fans expect from me? Hopefully some exciting top order batting in all three formats, and to add some more big scores to my tally and contribute to the team’s success.
“This has been a big year for me. I’ve found a new focus, gone about my game without listening to any external noise. There’s a freedom now in my batting. It’s helped me get some big scores on the board and I’m enjoying my cricket.
“I guess 26 is quite late to come into professional cricket. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way.
There are a lot of quality cricketers out there in NCCA cricket or club cricket. My message to them is to keep pursuing your dreams and never give up.
“I’ll be around the squad for the remainder of the season, meeting all the guys, absorbing as much as I can. I’ll work hard over the winter and try to cement myself in the first team next season, that’s the plan.”
‘Hard work pays off’
Malik, who plays his club cricket for Leek in North Staffs and South Cheshire League Premier A, has previously sampled life in a first-class environment.
He attended Malvern College on a scholarship with Worcestershire and progressed through the Pears’ Academy.
Staffordshire grit impresses captain James Kettleborough
However, he was released in 2018 and has since focused his efforts on Staffordshire and also trialling at second-team level.
Malik, a former England Under-19 international, has enjoyed success at county 2nd XI level. This summer he’s scored three hundreds for Glamorgan.
He’s also scored 784 runs in club cricket in 2024 and featured in matches for the South Asian Cricket Academy.
‘Top talent’
Staffordshire head coach Andy Carr said: “We look across the county to identify the best players to represent Staffs – and Zen has certainly been one of those.
“Zen has always wanted to move to the next level. He has put himself in the shop window and deserves his chance.
“We will certainly miss him for his talent. As a coach you want to work with highly-talented players who are coachable.
“Zen is the perfect example of that and it’s a pleasure to have been able to coach him for Staffordshire.
“He will still be dual registered with us and it would be lovely to see him play for us again.
“But in a funny way we don’t want him playing for Staffordshire because that would mean he’s been hugely successful with Warwickshire.”
Staffs chairman Phil Oliver added: “We wish him all the best from everyone at the county. It just shows what our aim is to provide the opportunity for all players to progress and have the opportunity to be first-class cricketers.
“He fully deserves his chance. Zen appreciates what Staffordshire have done for him. We hope he has a great future.”
‘Best I’ve seen’
Warwickshire performance director Gavin Larsen said he was delighted to secure Malik’s services.
He said: “Zen has shown himself as a very stylish, accomplished batter in recent seasons and is flourishing this year.
“He’s the best uncontracted player I’ve seen since my arrival at Edgbaston. He deserves his opportunity in professional cricket. He’s an exciting addition to our squad.
Day Three report: Brilliant Staffordshire so close to securing to win
“With the facilities and coaching he’ll benefit from at Edgbaston I’m sure he’ll continue progressing.
“He’ll be in and around the squad for the remainder of the season, to help him get to know everyone, before joining up proper for pre-season training in November.”
Main image: Staffordshire batsman Zen Malik has signed for Warwickshire. Picture: Alfie Shenton
