Asian Cricket Award winner Salma Bi part of futsal record attempt

Award-winning cricketer Salma Bi hopes her futsal world record attempt this weekend can inspire women and girls in the United Kingdom and Pakistan.

The talented off-break bowler, who was named Woman in Cricket at last year’s inaugural Asian Cricket Awards, is the first Asian female to ever have played for county side Worcestershire.

But the 28-year-old of Pakistani heritage is also a keen futsal player and is trying to set a record for the longest-ever futsal match in Birmingham this weekend.

“I play five-a-side futsal alongside the cricket and have always encouraged and tried to inspire more girls to take up sport,” Bi told Sky Sports.

“Through Sporting Pathways, I regularly host events where girls of all abilities have the opportunity to participate in sport. We were already successful in hosting a 20-hour futsal marathon and a 10-hour futsal marathon, but now I'm really looking forward to trying to set a 30-hour futsal world record with everyone taking part.

“My sister Aisha [a footballer at Solihul Ladies] and I came up with the idea and we've got over 50 girls signed up to take part who are coming to Birmingham from all over the country.

“The idea is to try and raise money to try and build a school in Pakistan for orphaned children. We hope to encourage more females to become teachers in the country and we also want to inspire more women to play cricket and football as well as futsal.

“Throughout my career I have always thought it is important not just to think about myself but to also think of others who are less fortunate. It's important to leave a legacy as well.”