Kabir Ali joins Yorkshire - former England seamer lands assistant coach role

Ali's arrival marks the latest move by the club as they continue to strive towards increased diversity and inclusivity.

Following allegations of racism and bullying by Azeem Rafiq last year, Yorkshire have undergone a culling of staff, but are now aiming to rebuild under new chair Lord Kamlesh Patel.

Ali will work alongside new head coach Ottis Gibson and new interim managing director of cricket Darren Gough in his new post.

The club took a huge step forward last week, as it was announced that their international hosting rights at Headingley would be restored as a result of their drive towards cultural change.

Ali, who played one Test and 14 one-day internationals for England between 2003 and 2006, has bought into the club's vision, and said he is excited to get going.

"I am so pleased to be joining the team at Yorkshire and to work alongside Ottis and Darren. Their vision for the club is so exciting, and there is such potential here for a really bright future.

"I believe the best way to approach coaching is to keep things simple and let the players enjoy it. I want the team to feel good and drive their games forward, and I'm looking forward to helping them on that journey from day one."

Ali brings invaluable experience to the club, having previously worked at Warwickshire as well as in the Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan Premier Leagues. He's also served as a director of cricket for the South Asian Cricket Academy.

His main priority will be coaching bowling, and new director of cricket, Darren Gough, is excited to see Ali's impact.

"Kabir is a fantastic addition to the coaching team and was the outstanding candidate to lead on bowling," said Gough.

"Both Ottis and I were particularly taken by Kabir's energy and passion for the game and, following a brilliant playing career, he already has a huge amount of experience for a young coach."