The Lancashire Cricket Foundation has announced the appointment of three new Non-Executive Directors.

Yasir Sufi, Humayun Islam and Tayyab Akhlaq will start with immediate effect with the aim of supporting the Foundation to increase cricket participation alongside developing and delivering a range of projects, programmes and events.

Humayun is currently the Chief Executive of charity BEAP Community Partnership in Bradford, whilst also sitting on a number of Board of Directors such as the West Riding FA, Bradford City FC Community Foundation and the Racial Equality Board, Bradford.

Tayyab, a lifelong Lancashire Cricket supporter who lives in Manchester has over 15 years of eCommerce experience and will be looking to bring his extensive business, digital and global logistics skills to the Foundation.

Yasir currently works for Blackburn Rovers Football Club in the role of Integration and Business Development Manager, specifically created to help the club enhance its engagement with the growing South Asian community living within the borough.

In April 2022, the Club were awarded the English Football League's inaugural Diversity Club of the Year in April 2022, because of the work done during the season to bring communities together at Ewood Park on match days.

Bobby Cross, Chair of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, said: “As Chair of the Foundation, it was really important that we conducted a very open recruitment process and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to add such incredible talent and skills to what is, already, a very strong Board. As a result of this process, I’m incredibly pleased with the Board appointments we have made.

“Our Board is connected to, and representative of the community in which we serve across Lancashire and the wider North West region and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the Foundation.

“Having the insight, skills and expertise, enthusiasm and connections of Humayun, Tayyab and Yasir in our Boardroom will be game-changing for the organisation.”

Yasir said: “It’s a real privilege to be involved and I’m so excited to get started with the wider team at the Lancashire Cricket Foundation.

“I’ve seen how sport can bring people together, eradicate social barriers and be a force for good across wider communities and I’m really hoping to make a difference to the wider team and community in Lancashire.”

Humayun Islam, said: “I’ve been working closely with the Lancashire Cricket Foundation team over the past 12 months, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. They are doing some incredible work in the community and I’m excited to see what else we can achieve together.

“With the experience, and connections, I’ve gained throughout my career I hope to make a positive impact working with the team to ensure cricket is as inclusive and welcoming as possible.”

ayyab Akhlaq, said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed to the Lancashire Cricket Foundation Board of Directors.

“The Foundation is a fantastic charity, which I’ve seen first-hand, and I’m really excited to see what we can achieve in the wider community and really make a difference to the people we work with.”