A team of coaches from Lahore Qalandars, led by Chief Operating Officer Sameen Rana, is all set to visit Yorkshire County Cricket Club during the upcoming summer. This visit will coincide with the third Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Headingley, Leeds. The collaboration between Lahore Qalandars and Yorkshire CCC, established in 2021, has paved the way for this exciting exchange.
Darren Gough, former England fast bowler and the current Director of Cricket at Yorkshire CCC, revealed this visit during an exclusive interview with Geo News. Gough, who maintains a close relationship with Sameen Rana, has been in regular contact with Lahore Qalandars, even assisting with team selection in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Expressing his excitement, Gough acknowledged the success of Lahore Qalandars in winning back-to-back titles in the PSL and praised their organization. As part of the partnership agreement, Yorkshire CCC will have the opportunity to learn from Lahore Qalandars’ Players Development Program (PDP), aimed at nurturing local talent and promoting inclusivity in cricket.
During the visit, the Lahore Qalandars coaches, including Sameen Rana, will attend the Ashes Test match, providing an excellent opportunity for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. A coaching session within Yorkshire CCC will also be conducted, further enhancing the partnership.
Reflecting on his visit to Lahore last year, Gough fondly recalled the warm hospitality and the affection shown by the people of Pakistan. He expressed his desire for the Yorkshire team to visit the Lahore Qalandars’ high-performance center in the future, strengthening the bond between the two teams.
How was Darren Gough’s experience in Pakistan?
Gough, who had previously toured Pakistan with the England team, highlighted the memorable moment of winning the Test match in Karachi in 2000, emphasizing its significance in his career. He expressed his love for Pakistan and the positive experiences he had during his time there.
“I went back to Pakistan last year. I had a terrific time over there. The sightseeing, the hotel and the way people welcome you was a fantastic experience,” Gough continued further.
“I’d like to think that at some point we can go out as a team to Lahore and go to the Lahore Qalandars high-performance centre. It will be great for us to go and do that as a team.”
Yorkshire CCC’s appointment of Darren Gough as the Director of Cricket in 2021 marked a pivotal moment amid efforts to address allegations of institutional racism. The signing of the player change program with Lahore Qalandars was one step taken by the club to promote diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, the club has recently adopted the “Muslim Athlete Charter” to accommodate the religious and cultural needs of Muslim players, fans, and staff.
Gough emphasized the club’s commitment to learning and improving, acknowledging the challenges faced and the importance of understanding the needs of players from different faiths. Yorkshire CCC aims to create an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported.
