Haris Rauf to play for Yorkshire as part of exchange programme with Qalandars

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf will play the 2022 season for Yorkshire as part of the exchange programme with Pakistan Super League side Lahore Qalandars. The English county on Tuesday announced the exchange programme in order to enable "more accessible pathways to cricket for aspiring players from all backgrounds across Yorkshire."

Rauf plays for Big Bash League side Melbourne Stars as part of a similar programme.

"I am thrilled to welcome the exceptionally talented Haris Rauf to our club," Yorkshire's interim managing director Darren Gough said. 

"I am also excited by the opportunity to learn from the inspirational Players Development Program. I have spoken in the past about my passion for developing accessible pathways to cricket - for many people from a background like mine, cricket isn't seen as an option, with the associated costs and access to facilities creating real barriers to entry. This partnership is an opportunity to take the blueprint the Qalandars has developed to such a success and work with them to define how that can be used to provide access for potential players from across Yorkshire."

Yorkshire and Lahore Qalandars will also play a friendly in Lahore on January 16 which will serve as a kick-starter for the partnership.

"We are incredibly proud of our Players Development Program and our wider team in Lahore. The Program has had an immensely positive impact on both our club and those involved. We are looking forward to working with Darren, Lord Patel and the team as they look to create an inclusive and welcoming culture for all at Yorkshire County Cricket Club," Sameer Rana, Qalandars' COO, said.