Warwickshire are set to make history by sending a playing squad on tour to Pakistan for the first time. The tour party will be based in Lahore for the 12-24 February trip and play a series of matches against local clubs and academies.

The group consists of 10 teenagers from the Club’s Academy and Emerging Player Programme, plus senior Warwickshire players Ethan Bamber and Jake Lintott (below) along with four coaches. Training camps will be held at Aleem Dar Academy – named after Pakistan’s record-breaking international cricket umpire – and Aitchison College which has some the best facilities in Lahore.

Raf Sabir, who sits on Warwickshire CCC’s Inclusion Advisory Board (IAB) and who helped facilitate the visit, said it’s an important milestone in the Club’s history.

READ MORE: Wrexham release statement before Birmingham City clash confirming 'accident'

READ MORE: Loic Bade to Aston Villa transfer latest as demand made and replacement lined up

“It’s fantastic that Warwickshire is breaking new ground and sending the first playing party to Pakistan,” added Sabir. “And I believe it will be the first playing tour to Pakistan of any a first class county in England and Wales. Lahore is a fantastic city. I’ve visited many times and arranged youth cricket tours there in recent years.

“Warwickshire’s players can expect a very warm welcome – especially from youngsters who live for cricket – and will benefit from some of the country’s finest training and playing facilities, but we also see this as an important cultural visit for the players, for them to see important sites in the city and its surroundings, and understand the history.

“The group will also be meeting the High Commission, Pakistan Super League sides and commercial partners as part of the Club’s wider work to foster links in the city. The Club has been working with the British Pakistan Initiative (BPI) on a number of projects and it’s thanks to their support that tours like this are possible.”

The tour party will visit Lahore and some of its significant religious and historic sites, and also travel to the India-Pakistan border for an educational trip.

Warwickshire High Performance Manager Paul Greetham, who will lead the tour as the Club’s Academy lead, said: “The players are really excited ahead of the trip; it’s an opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition overseas.

“We will play four competitive games against sides that are likely to include Pakistan under-19 players and prospects, plus some experienced First Class cricketers playing in Pakistan.

“It’ll be a great learning experience for the Academy players, and also an opportunity for Ethan and Jake to get more overs under their belt ahead of the senior pre-season trip to Dubai. They will also play an important mentoring and coaching role for the young players. England’s ICC Champions Trophy game against Australia will be played in Lahore during the trip so there will be a certain Jacob Bethell also in the city at the same time!”