Coaching Staff
Meet the Mentors Behind the Magic
Our coaching team is composed of elite professionals, seasoned cricketers, and certified specialists, each dedicated to nurturing every player’s potential through expert guidance and a player-first approach.
Our Staff Includes:
Head Coach – Ghulam Rafique
Senior Coach | Lecturer | Mentor | Sports Performance Specialist
Ghulam Rafique brings over 35 years of experience in coaching, mentoring, and academic leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing high-performance coaching and strength & conditioning. He is one of the longest-serving coaches at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, where he has played a pivotal role in player development for more than two decades.
In academia, Ghulam has served as Head Cricket Coach for the University of Bradford’s Performance to Excellence Programme, supported trialists progressing through the Universities Centre of Cricketing Excellence (UCCE), and led fast bowling programmes at Leeds Beckett University. His inclusive and evidence-based coaching approach has impacted athletes and students across all levels and abilities.
Ghulam’s contributions to cricket have been widely recognised. He has been named Coach of the Year by both the England Cricket Board (ECB) and Yorkshire CCC, and was honoured at the Leeds Sports Awards for his outstanding services to cricket.
He approaches coaching as a lifelong learning journey, guided by the philosophy:
“Every new athlete redefines what it means to coach.”
Ghulam continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of athletes and coaches, consistently adapting to the evolving demands of modern cricket.
Batting Coach – Arvind
A technically sound mentor known for refining players’ techniques and improving match temperament, Arvind brings a strategic mindset and strong player development track record to the batting department.
Specialist in advanced batting mechanics and game awareness.
Bowling Coach – Mustafa Rafique
Academy Director | Former County Circuit Player
Mustafa Rafique is a highly dedicated and accomplished Academy Director with a proven track record in high-performance coaching.
His coaching philosophy embodies the sentiment behind John Wooden’s famous quote: “A good coach can change a game; a great coach can change a life.”
Mustafa is deeply passionate about not only nurturing cricketing talent but also fostering personal growth. With over a decade of cricket coaching experience, he is committed to creating an environment where players can thrive both on and off the field, embracing their authentic selves and building life skills that go far beyond the sport.
Drawing on his experience as a former player on the county circuit, Mustafa combines technical expertise with a player-centred approach. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his passion for inspiring others positions him as a transformative figure, influencing not just the future of cricket but the lives of the people he mentors.
Keeping & Batting Coach – Viraj
Lorem Ipsum | Lorem Ipsum
Lorem Ipsum