Warwickshire has made history with their inaugural trip to Pakistan, led by senior players Ethan Bamber and Jake Lintott. The duo, alongside 10 teenagers from the county's academy and four coaches, will embark on a journey to Lahore, a city synonymous with cricketing passion.

The Significance of the Trip

Pakistan is a cricketing powerhouse, and this tour is more than just a series of matches. It’s an opportunity for the younger players to immerse themselves in a culture where cricket is a way of life. As Lintott eloquently put it, "It's a religion over there. They love their sport, and their cricket in particular."

Training and Matches

The Bears will train at prestigious venues, including Aitchison College, the alma mater of cricketing legend Imran Khan, and the Aleem Dar Academy, named after the renowned umpire. The team is scheduled to play four competitive games, likely facing Pakistan Under-19s and seasoned first-class cricketers.

Players’ Perspectives

For Ethan Bamber, this tour is a privilege and a chance to build camaraderie with the younger squad members. "It will be nice to build some relations with the younger ones, bowl outside and get some good work done ahead of the pre-season trip to Abu Dhabi," he shared.

Jake Lintott, with his coaching background, sees this as an opportunity to mentor the next generation. "It’s one of the big things Robbo [Mark Robinson] wants in the dressing room. I feel I can help people, no matter what the format," Lintott added.

Looking Ahead

The tour runs from February 12-24, with the team focusing on preparation and skill enhancement. Warwickshire’s County Championship campaign kicks off on April 4 against Sussex at Edgbaston, and this trip is a crucial part of their pre-season build-up.