KARACHI: Persisting with the vision of finding and promoting talent from the grass-root, PSL team Lahore Qalandars – in a unique move – has arranged training program for one of its rising stars, Yasir Jan.
Yasir – an ambidextrous quick, and perhaps the first such bowler from Pakistan – was spotted by Lahore Qalandars during its talent hunt, the 'Rising Stars' program, last year.
The 'Rising Stars' initiative, held last year, saw over 113,000 registrations from aspiring talent at eight locations across Punjab, four of whom were shortlisted to be with Lahore Qalandars’ side in PSL 2017
Yasir Jan is now being sent to the UK where he will participate in three-month long training program at the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Watford Town Cricket Club.
“Yasir Jan is now being sent for a cricket grooming and training program at Marylebone Cricket Club and Watford Town Cricket Club where his skills will be harnessed and he will receive extensive cricket training from the best the cricketing world has to offer at the home of cricket,” said Lahore Qalandars in a statement.
Atif Rana, CEO of Lahore Qalandars, stated that Yasir is an exceptional talent and his development is extremely important, not only for Lahore Qalandars, but also for Pakistan cricket.
“Not every individual with raw talent is discovered, and even less so, encouraged. We want to ensure Yasir has every opportunity to develop as a cricketer and hone his unique talent,” said Rana.
“Yasir is a special talent, the only ambidextrous fast bowler of Pakistan. His development is extremely important to both us as well as to Pakistan cricket,” he added.
Qalandars’ director of cricket and former fast bowler Aaqib Javed said that the 'Rising Stars' program provided a great opportunity to unearth hidden and lost talent of Pakistan cricket and the program will continue.
“We found gems like Irfan and Yasir... I believe this Rising Stars initiative will continue on to become Pakistan’s future pipeline of cricket talent,” he said.