One boy’s golden ticket to the ICC Champions Trophy 2017

A Sherwood Rise schoolboy is counting down the days to watching his cricketing heroes in action after winning tickets to an ICC Champions Trophy game next month.

Fateh Landa, 13, was nominated for the ticket giveaway by his father, following a difficult few years in which his mum became disabled and he developed alopecia, resulting in the complete loss of his hair.

A keen cricketer, Landa has used the sport to restore his confidence following his diagnosis, becoming under-13s county captain as well as hitting his first century last season.

Landa has selected to attend India versus Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 4, and with dreams of reaching the pinnacle of the sport one day himself, he can’t wait to take his seat in the stands.

“When I first got alopecia, I would always cover my head in a scarf because I felt very vulnerable,” said the Trent College pupil.

“Playing cricket has enabled me to focus on something else, and stopped me worrying about my condition.

“Cricket makes me feel great because I can take my mind off everything. I started playing when I was three and it has changed my life.

“It has had a massive effect on me and I am a very sporty person, so I play a lot of sports now as well as cricket.

“I have developed good hand-eye coordination now, but I love going into bat – that’s my favourite part of cricket.

“When I hit a century last season, I felt so happy because it’s such a big achievement. I’d love to become professional one day.

“I’m very excited to watch India and Pakistan. I think there is going to be a really good atmosphere and it has always been one of my dreams to watch India play.

“I’m very lucky to have won these tickets, I’m so happy my dad nominated me!”

The ICC Champions Trophy runs in England and Wales from June 1-18, with fixtures taking place in London, Birmingham and Cardiff.

It is the second consecutive Champions Trophy to take place on British shores, with India lifting the trophy at Edgbaston four years ago.

And for Landa’s father Gurj, tickets to watch world-class cricket is the very least his boy deserves.

“Fateh has experienced a lot of difficulties over the last couple of years,” said the 47-year-old.

“His mum has become disabled because of complications with her diabetes and therefore lives in a nursing home, and he has alopecia, meaning he has lost all his hair, and that has all happened over the last few years.

“It’s very difficult for him not having his mum around, and to look different to everyone else.

“Cricket has helped him gain a lot of confidence. He’s a very talented player and has trained with men’s teams as well as being captain of his county, which is really good. I’m very proud of him.”