Jamal Richards is an all-rounder originally from Edmonton, North London. He attended Norlington High School in Waltham Forest where he looked up to fellow alumni, Graham Gooch OBE.

In 2016, at the age of 11, Jamal joined the Essex Academy and has since progressed through the age groups. Making his Second XI debut in 2021, where he played 12 games bowling 44 overs and taking 9 wickets at 28.56.