Former England Cricketer Opens New Nets at Isleworth and Syon
Owais Shah returns to his former school to see new facilities
Owais Shah coaching a young cricketer in the new nets
October 6, 2026
Former England cricketer Owais Shah returned to his old school in Isleworth recently to open a new four-lane cricket facility.
Shah, who attended Isleworth & Syon School between 1994 and 1998, joined current pupils at the new nets, offering advice and coaching as they tried out the facility for the first time.
The opening at the school in Ridgeway Road was attended by the Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Ranjit Gill, Ian Moore from the England Cricket Board and a number of former pupils.
The event also brought together alumni from several generations of the school.
Bob Edmonds attended Isleworth Grammar School between 1956 and 1961 before returning to teach economics and later becoming a deputy headteacher. Raza Bukhari, who was at the school from 1985 to 1992, went on to play cricket at schoolboy level for Middlesex.
More recently, Zayd Kapadi left the school in 2024 after seven years. He had been school cricket captain and is now in his third year at university.
Kapadi gave a speech at the opening ceremony reflecting on his time at the school and the lessons he had taken into adult life.
A photograph taken during the event brought together four generations of Isleworthians, with Shah and former pupils pictured alongside current Sixth Form cricketer Mohammad.
Four generations of Isleworthian cricketers
Shah then stayed on at the school for the first I&S Inspires session of the new academic year, answering questions from students about his time at Isleworth & Syon and his career as an elite cricketer.
He also spoke about his desire to inspire younger players.
The I&S Inspires programme has previously featured speakers including BBC journalist Gabriel Gatehouse and Status Quo bass player John “Rhino” Edwards.
The school's Alumni Coordinator, Tom McDonnell, said the event highlighted the connection between former pupils and current students.
A student in action in the new nets at Isleworth and Syon School
Michael Mullins, Curriculum Leader for PE, said the new facility would provide a higher-quality training environment for pupils and described the project as an investment in their sporting development and future aspirations.
Co-Headteachers Simon Fisher and Jo Higginbottom said the facilities would provide opportunities for thousands of students in the years ahead.
The school hopes that pupils using the new nets will follow in Shah's footsteps and progress from playing cricket at Isleworth & Syon to representing England.
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