The Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) have been honoured by Islamic Relief UK at the organisation’s annual charity recognition evening.

Last week, YCCC was awarded the strategic partner award by Islamic Relief at the special appreciation night, attended by the organisation’s community and charity partners, faith groups, schools and businesses, at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.

Yorkshire Cricket was recognised after supporting Islamic Relief UK to raise more than £120,000 to support those affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan last year – resulting in the creation of the YCCC village which houses up to 50 families.

Over the last 10 months YCCC have also hosted a number of groundbreaking events, working alongside Islamic Relief, including the Club’s first ever Ramadan Iftar and Eid Milan events and supporting the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) host Ramadan Iftar events in The Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Adil Ali, the North East and Yorkshire Fundraising Officer for Islamic Relief UK, said: “We wanted to thank the YCCC family and recognize the hard work and dedication they have put in to support Islamic Relief UK."

“The long-term relationship Islamic Relief holds with The Yorkshire County Cricket Club will be key to saving and supporting lives across the world, and here in the UK."

“There is already discussion on future events and activities which we are all so excited about especially here in the north-east and Yorkshire office.”

In total Islamic Relief last year reached more than 17 million people in over 35 countries – this includes flood victims in Pakistan, those affected in the Türkiye–Syria earthquake, through domestic food drives, refugee support and much more.

YCCC President Jane Powell, who collected the award on behalf of the Club on the evening and who was also a keynote speaker on the night, said: “It was a privilege to be part of this very special evening and be present alongside so many incredible organisations and groups.

“We care about helping our local community and have also built some strong relationships globally. We will continue our meaningful partnership with Islamic Relief to support their incredible work.”

Yaseen Mohammed, YCCC Board member, said: “We are particularly proud of how we were able to support those affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan. We far surpassed the target that we had originally set, and I am so pleased that we are able to help those in need.

“I would like to thank those who kindly contributed to our fundraising efforts. The money raised has been used to rebuild homes in areas that have been affected by the floods and support those families who are in desperate need of help.”

Photo Credit: SWPix.com. Pictured from left: Lauren Winfield Hill, Shan Masood and Darren Gough at the Club’s second annual Eid Milan event held at Headingley Stadium in May this year with the evening bringing communities together for a final celebration to mark the end of Ramadan 2023.