aroof Khan has watched some great talents from up close. He grew up in Mumbai playing cricket with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, after all.

Now his job is to find out the finest talents in women’s cricket. In England, that is.

Maroof is working as a scout to select players for the England women’s cricket team. “It has been an exciting assignment for me,” he told The Hindu. “My job is to watch the domestic matches around the country and see the players in action.”

Maroof, who is now living at Leeds after travelling to places like Los Angeles, Singapore, Hong Kong and London, is a vastly experienced coach. He has, in fact, been an assistant coach with the England mixed disability team.

He is delighted to be part of women’s cricket at a time when it is rapidly increasing in popularity.

“We have seen how women’s cricket is taking off in a big way in India with the WPL and the ODI World Cup triumph last year,” Maroof said. “In England, there is a lot more awareness about the game. The Hundred, where the men’s and women’s teams play on the same day, has been a huge boost.”

Maroof says the world could soon see some brilliant young players from England. “I have been mighty impressed with some of those players,” he said.

“There is no doubt that women’s cricket is going to get bigger. The game will definitely benefit with England hosting this World Cup.”

He is glad he could reunite with his old friend Amol Muzumdar, the India women’s coach. “We had so much talent in Mumbai those days,” Maroof said. “Sachin was different, of course. It was a privilege to bowl to him, and I remember thousands coming to watch him just train”.