LAHORE: Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf will join Yorkshire as an overseas player for 2022 season, as part of a link-up with Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars.
Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) has announced that it has entered into a partnership with PSL team Lahore Qalandars. According to a notification, the partnership will include a player exchange programme to enable international players to learn from each other.
The Pakistan one-day and Twenty20 bowler played at this summer’s World Cup and has also featured in Australia’s Big Bash competition.
“Moreover, scholarships will be provided to young, aspiring players from Yorkshire travelling to, training, and playing in Lahore, including access to the Qalandars’ first-class facilities, as well as opportunities for young people from Pakistan to come to Yorkshire,” the statement issued by Lahore Qalandars read.
Under the partnership, a friendly game between the two sides will be played on January 16, 2022, in Lahore at the world-famous Ghaddafi Stadium.
Lahore Qalandar believes that the pairing of the two clubs aims to enable mutual learning, development, and support at all levels, and a commitment to developing more accessible pathways to cricket for aspiring players from all backgrounds across Yorkshire.
Speaking on the occasion, Yorkshire County Cricket Club Chair Professor Lord Patel said: “The work the Lahore Qalandars do both on and off the pitch is remarkable and can serve as a benchmark for clubs around the world – ours included – for how best to spot, foster and support talent at all levels in the game of cricket.”
“I am thrilled to welcome the exceptionally talented Haris Rauf to our club. I am also excited by the opportunity to learn from the inspirational Players Development Programme,” he added.
Yorkshire are currently working to recruit a new coaching team after 16 staff, including director of cricket Martyn Moxon and head coach Andrew Gale, left Headingley amid the racism scandal triggered by complaints from former spin bowler Azeem Rafiq.
