Nadeem’s pride at launch of league

August 25, 2026

A FORMER Suffolk cricketer has spoken of his pride at being behind Italy’s first T10 league.

Nadeem Shahid, who went on to play for Essex and Surrey, is one of two former international players who have set up Italia T10 Cricket, which will take place in Rome from November 7th-15th.

Apex T10 Ltd is the UK-based company established by Shahid and Aamir Akhtar, who played for Nepal, to develop cricket in associate territories through franchise competitions in the T10 format.

The Italian competition marks the first tournament in the fast-paced format to be launched under the Apex T10 banner.

Six city-based franchises will compete in the event, which will be streamed live to more than 30 countries, giving the competition significant international reach in its inaugural edition.

The 57-year-old grew up in Ipswich, attending Stoke High School and Ipswich School, and his family still live in the town.

He played locally for Copdock CC (before the club merged with Old Ipswichian CC) and Achilles CC in the Two Counties Championship.

Nadeem Shahid (left) and Gianfranco Rava, the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Italian Cricketer Federation at the launch. Main photograph: Nadeem Shahid (left) alongside Dr Massimilano Campo, the General Secretary of the Italian Cricketer Federation, and Aamir Akhtar (right).

Shahid made his Suffolk debut at the age of just 16, before going on to enjoy a successful career with both Essex and Surrey, also representing England A.

He then emigrated to South Africa, where he still lives and has built successful business ventures across the international lottery, real estate and technology sectors.

Shahid said: “Growing up in Ipswich in Suffolk I never once imagined it would lead me here, launching Italy’s first city franchise T10 league.

“It’s a privilege to be developing this beautiful game across Europe, and this is a proud moment for me and my family, a reminder of just how far cricket can take you.”

The launch of Italia T10 comes at a significant time for world cricket, with the sport set to return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles in 2028.

Initiatives such as Italia T10 represent an opportunity to increase cricket’s profile in Italy, create new development pathways for players and clubs and provide a higher standard of domestic competition.

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