During the official opening of a newly installed four-lane cricket practice facility at Sparkhill Park in Birmingham, Councillor Majid Mahmood unintentionally struck a bystander with a cricket ball. The incident occurred as Councillor Mahmood, who is not only a passionate cricket enthusiast but also the city’s cabinet member for transport and the environment, was demonstrating the new nets.
The ball flew beyond the safety nets and hit a woman in the crowd on the back of her head, knocking her momentarily unconscious. She required urgent first aid at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that the woman lost consciousness briefly before recovering.
The new cricket facilities, funded by a nearly £200,000 grant, were installed at Sparkhill Park as part of improvements to sports amenities also involving Small Heath Park. The facility includes a four-lane practice area equipped with ball stop nets and non-turf pitches.
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Among the spectators were other city councillors, local charity representatives, and business leaders. Several witnesses expressed concern about the lack of visible safety precautions. Jagdeep Singh, an onlooker, described the situation as “reckless,” emphasizing the need for better health and safety measures at such events.
Councillor Mahmood expressed his remorse, stating: “I am sincerely sorry for this accident. I am grateful to everyone who assisted, especially the first aiders from the leisure centre. I will be reaching out personally to the woman to offer my apologies.”
Medical staff checked the injured woman at a hospital as a precaution. Fortunately, she did not require ambulance transport and is expected to make a full recovery.