Yorkshire extend Lahore Qalandars partnership to South African franchise Titans

The three-way partnership aims to enable the clubs to find talent from diverse communities and provide opportunities for young players to earn overseas scholarships and train abroad

Yorkshire have extended their partnership with Lahore Qalandars to include South African franchise Momentum Multiply Titans.

The club joined forces with the Pakistan Super League side in December 2021 with the hope of learning from their world-leading players development program and using it to engage with the county’s diverse community.

Under the original relationship, the two sides would also benefit from a player exchange programme, with Haris Rauf due to represent Yorkshire during the 2022 domestic season and Harry Brook representing the Qalandars in the PSL.

The new three-way partnership aims to enable all three clubs to find talent from diverse communities and provide pathways for young players to earn overseas scholarships and training opportunities.

The Titans are the most successful franchise in South African domestic cricket, winning six four-day titles, six Momentum One-Day Cups, and six CSA T20 Challenges since 2004.

Yorkshire chairman, Lord Patel, said: "The Momentum Multiply Titans and Lahore Qalandars are leaders in ensuring that cricket is accessible for everyone and both already have phenomenal outreach initiatives in their respective countries.

^{Haris Rauf will represent Yorkshire in 2022 as part of the original partnership with Lahore Qalandars [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

"We are keen to learn from them how best to develop aspiring talent across Yorkshire and beyond by developing an open and supportive pathway system. This is also an amazing chance for professional players to develop their games in different and challenging conditions.

"By forging global partnerships, Yorkshire County Cricket Club will be able to create more opportunities for young cricketers, as a part of our ongoing commitment to bring down the barriers that have previously disengaged so many from the game of cricket."

Titans CEO, Dr Jacques Faul, added: "The vision of both Yorkshire and the Qalandars to improve access to cricket globally is fantastic, and we are excited to join them in this important work. The opportunity for our professional players to learn and develop alongside each other will be beneficial for all three sides, and we are currently working to refine the details."

Lahore Qalandars chief operating officer, Sameen Rana, meanwhile, is relishing the opportunity to spread the success of his franchise’s talent-spotting programme, stating: "This partnership is a landmark step in the right direction that will have a great impact in our cricketing circle. This is a terrific opportunity for all of us to make a difference as well as a valuable contribution to creating diversity in the field of cricket.

"Lahore Qalandars have already successfully touched the lives of hundreds of thousands and given young talent hope and belief. Our players development program has broken barriers to entry providing a level field to those who otherwise couldn’t rise.
 
"I am excited to have Titans on board alongside Yorkshire, and this exchange program will enable youngsters from different cultures to gain exposure. We look forward to continued expansion and fully supporting Yorkshire’s steps to nurture talent and its sincere commitment to tackle discrimination and racism."