Arshad has been a part of Harlow Cricket Club since 2016 and is one of the most thoughtful, kind-hearted and generous people you could ever meet at the club. But don't let that fool you into thinking he's a pushover on the pitch... oh no! The true competitor comes out in Arshad as soon as he steps over the boundary line. He plays every match with great intensity and cares deeply about the team and the result.

Arshad may be advancing in his years, however, he is still thriving to improve his game and can be found asking for advice from other players and coaches at every opportunity. When he finds something to work on, it's safe to say the hours are put in trying to fix that small technical aspect he's trying to improve. He will also show up those many years younger than him with the effort that he puts into his fielding. Is he willing to put his body on the line to save a single run... you bet he is!!

Arshad started his career at Harlow as a bowler and took 42 wickets in that time. His best bowling came in 2016 during a game for the 4th XI against Loughton 4th XI. He returned figures of 6 for 22 from just over 8 overs. A match winning spell.

Through an in-house deal with the captain, Arshad's role changed into a top order batsmen, a role he has performed for many years. Arshad has played for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th XI teams for Harlow. His first century, and highest score of 113, came on the 1st of September 2018 against Chingford 3rd XI for our 4th XI.

Arshad has gone onto score four other centuries for the club, making scores of 107 not out this season for the 3rd XI, as well as scores of 101, 111 and 108 for the 2nd XI. Arshad is a power-hitter at the top of the order. Across his career (of which has been recorded on play cricket), he has hit 231 boundary fours.

Arshad currently sits 22nd in the all time run scorers for Harlow in the Play-Cricket era.
For the 2nd XI, he sits 19th. For the 3rd and 4th XI he sits in 12th place respectively.

Thank you for all you give to Harlow CC Arshad. Everybody appreciates what you do, and it's always a pleasure to spend time with you. Here's to many more runs and good luck for the future!

We asked Arshad to give us an insight into his cricketing career...

Q: When did you first play cricket?
I first started playing cricket in 1990 for my school. I began playing cricket for Harlow in 2016, not as a batter, but as an opening bowler. For the first four years, I was the man handed the new ball, not the bat. My role was clear, my contribution defined. And then came a moment — one of those rare, decisive moments that shift the course of a journey.

We were away at Orsett. The game was tense, the pressure palpable. I walked in to bat at number 8, alongside Rob. We needed to win. In the middle of that battlefield, I made a deal — a simple one, but one that would go on to change my game. I told Rob: if I stay in, if we win this, you let me open the batting. He agreed. I held my ground. We won.

What makes that story even more meaningful is that opening the batting wasn’t new to me — it was, in many ways, a return. At school, I was an opening batsman known for playing with intent. I enjoyed putting bowlers under pressure, and I played with energy. But I was young then, and looking back, I now realise cricket teaches you far more than how to bat or bowl — it teaches patience, teamwork, and humility.

Q: What got you into cricket? Any inspiring cricketers you base yourself on?
I grew up watching legends. Javed Miandad’s fearless batting, the great Sir Viv Richards’ swagger and dominance, and the calm authority of Rahul Dravid all left a mark on me. But it wasn’t just about the players — it was the aura of cricket, the drama, the rivalries, and the pride. I tried to take inspiration from each of them: Miandad’s street-smart approach, Richards’ aggression, and Dravid’s discipline.

Q: How long have you played for Harlow CC?
I’ve proudly played for Harlow Cricket Club since 2016.

Q: What is your most memorable cricketing moment?
Without a doubt, it’s the 2005 Ashes series. Andrew Flintoff’s passion, grit, and sportsmanship defined that era. I was so captivated by the series that I bought the DVD and watched it over 70 times! That series wasn’t just cricket — it was theatre, it was national pride. The way England fought back, the intensity of every session — it left a lasting impression on me. That’s when I truly fell in love with the game.

Q: What is your most memorable cricketing moment for Harlow CC?
There have been so many, but one that stands out is when I was batting and got struck on the eye by a ball — a full-blooded delivery. It smashed my glasses and blood was pouring from my eye. All I could focus on was getting back out there, taking the bat in my hands, and finishing the job — because walking away was never an option. I was told I wouldn’t be allowed to go back in — but in my head, I was still batting.

Opening the innings with Jonny Allen or with Munim have always been highlights — the running between the wickets, the banter, the chemistry. I’ve shared some incredible moments with my skipper Rob too. His game awareness, constant encouragement, and faith in me — even when I wasn’t in form — gave me belief. Over the years, I’ve built deep friendships through this club. Cricket isn’t just a sport to me — it’s a battlefield, and we go to war together.

Q: Any other major events/achievements/proud moments whilst at Harlow CC?
To me, Harlow Cricket Club is more than just a place to play — it is a sanctuary of friendship, resilience, and shared dreams. Week in, week out, we come together not just to compete, but to belong. We fight, we fall, we rise, and we celebrate as one.

In a world that often reduces people to their job titles or roles, cricket has allowed me to be something more — a teammate, a fighter, a friend. Every run scored, every innings played, every bruised hand and sore muscle tells a story. And that story isn’t just mine — it’s ours.

As I approach the milestone of 3,000 runs for Harlow, I don’t see it as a personal achievement alone. It’s a shared moment — built on every shout of encouragement from the boundary, every quiet word of reassurance from Rob, Jonny, Munim, Aamir, Atif, JP, Waheed, Mashood, Dip, Harry, Ben, Assad, Gull, Zabi, Rizwan — and so many more. Apologies if I have unintentionally missed your name — your presence has still mattered deeply.

These teammates have been more than just names on a team sheet. They’ve been partners on the pitch, voices of calm and confidence, and true friends beyond the field. The memories we've created — the wins, the losses, the laughs, and the long drives home — are far more meaningful than any number on a scoresheet.

It has been — and continues to be — an honour to play for Harlow Cricket Club.

Q: Anything else you can think of or want to say?
What’s kept me going all these years isn’t just the love of the game — it’s the people around it. The encouraging words from my captain. The unspoken understanding between batting partners. The quiet nods of support when things don’t go to plan. And above all, the friendships that extend far beyond the boundary rope.

I am incredibly grateful to be part of the Harlow Cricket Club family. It’s not just a team — it’s an honour to wear the badge and represent the club. The friendships, the memories, the battles we've fought together — they’ll stay with me forever.

Arshad Muhammad Stats - Batting

Career
Games: 129
Innings: 121
Not Outs: 12
Runs: 3034
High Score: 113
Average: 27.83
50's: 18
100's: 5

2nd XI
Games: 29
Innings: 28
Not Outs: 1
Runs: 1005
High Score: 111
Average: 37.22
50's: 4
100's: 3

3rd XI
Games: 54
Innings: 53
Not Outs: 4
Runs: 1290
High Score: 107*
Average: 26.33
50's: 11
100's: 1

4th XI
Games: 45
Innings: 39
Not Outs: 7
Runs: 727
High Score: 113
Average: 22.72
50's: 3
100's: 1

5th XI
Games: 1
Innings: 1
Not Outs: -
Runs: 12
High Score: 12
Average: 12.00
50's: -
100's: -

Arshad Muhammad Stats - Bowling

Career
Overs: 236.1
Maidens: 25
Runs: 1086
Wickets: 42
Best Bowling: 6 / 22
5 Wicket Haul: 1
Economy: 4.60
Average: 25.86

3rd XI
Overs: 26
Maidens: 2
Runs: 150
Wickets: 5
Best Bowling: 3 / 27
5 Wicket Haul: -
Economy: 5.77
Average: 30.00

4th XI
Overs: 197.1
Maidens: 23
Runs: 872
Wickets: 37
Best Bowling: 6 / 22
5 Wicket Haul: 1
Economy: 4.42
Average: 23.57

5th XI
Overs: 3
Maidens: -
Runs: 17
Wickets: -
Best Bowling: 0 / 17
5 Wicket Haul: -
Economy: 5.67
Average: -