Boys’ Academy intake and EPP selection confirmed for 2026
Lancashire Cricket is delighted to announce its Boys' Academy intake ahead of the 2026 season.
Four new players – George Brown, Freddie Vaughan-Hawkins, Liam Yahathugoda and Ieuan Morris - have joined the Academy whilst Haider Hussain, Charlie Parkinson, George Harris, Rian Maisuria and Luke Hands have all been retained for the upcoming season at Emirates Old Trafford.
17-year-old pace bowling all-rounder Hands has already made his First Team debut for Lancashire Cricket, featuring five times in last summer’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup and taking two wickets, before being included in England’s squad for the Under-19s Cricket World Cup which took place in January.
The squad led by Head of Talent Pathway, Chris Benbow, have been undertaking a pre-season training programme in the Indoor Cricket Centre at Emirates Old Trafford throughout the winter and will move into an outdoor training programme and fixture schedule ahead of the 2026 season.
Academy - New Recruits:
George Brown
Childhood Club: Monton CC
Current Club: Leigh CC
The right arm fast bowler earned selection in North of England Super 4s last year and impressed with his pace and this winter it’s exciting to see George continue his development into an attack fast bowler.
Freddie Vaughan-Hawkins
Club: Timperley CC
A versatile wicket keeper/batter who is capable of impacting a game in various positions across formats. From Cheshire, Freddie was introduced into last year’s successful U18s squad and made an immediate impact in T20 cricket. His season progressed well and he also went on to earn selection for the North at Super 4s.
Liam Yahathugoda
Club: Chester Boughton Hall CC
Liam has been involved with for many years alongside his Cheshire commitments and last year excelled in our U16 cup winning side accumulating 560 runs in 13 innings, with a vital 93 in the final against Surrey.
Ieuan Morris
Club: Alvanley CC
A tall seam bowler of real potential who provides accuracy and precision, with a best return of 3 for 35 against Durham in last season’s successful U16s campaign. Ieuan also offers vital runs at the back end of an innings.
Academy - Retained:
Haider Hussain
Leg Spin Allrounder
Childhood Club: Clifton CC
Current Club: Spring View CC
Charlie Parkinson
Pace Bowling Allrounder
Childhood Club: Torrisholme CC
Current Club: Netherfield CC
George Harris
Batting (LH) Allrounder
Childhood Club: Woodbank CC
Current Club: Egerton CC
Rian Maisuria
RH Opening Bat
Club: Hyde CC
Luke Hands
Allrounder
Childhood Club: New Longton CC
Current Club: Leyland CC
Head of Talent Pathway, Chris Benbow, said: “The Academy cohort represents the highest potential players within our pathway, identified for their ability to transition towards professional cricket. The programme provides a high-performance environment with aligned technical, physical, and psychological support to prepare players for the demands of the First-Class game.
“Selection into the Lancashire Cricket Academy is recognition of both current performance and future potential. It’s an exciting step, but also the beginning of a more demanding journey as players push towards Second XI cricket and beyond.”
Lancashire Cricket can also confirm selection onto the Club’s Emerging Players Programme (EPP) for the 2026 campaign.
Eight players have been identified within the Club’s pathway system, with the programme designed to bridge the gap between County Age Group level and Academy cricket.
EPP selection:
Muhammad Patel
Club: St Anne’s CC, just moved from Vernon Carus CC
Tom Gilbertson
Club: Rochdale CC
Haroon Kashmiri
Club: Rochdale CC
Dylan Yates
Club: Newton le Willows CC
Henry Roberts
Club: Lytham CC
Shivy Gautam
Club: Northern CC
Rupert Hallows
Club: Spondon CC
Jackson Bentley
Club: Nantwich CC
Performance Manager, Stephen Titchard, added: “This group represents many high potential players identified within our pathway, bridging the gap between County Age Group and Academy cricket. The Emerging Players Programme is designed to provide targeted support, increased exposure, and a clear development runway towards future honours.
“These players selected for our EPP have demonstrated strong performance, character, and long-term potential, and will benefit from an enhanced programme aimed at supporting their progression within the Lancashire Cricket pathway.”
