Soon to be friends will be foes when the Pakistan Super League kicks off on Thursday afternoon (2pm UK).
Jordan Thompson’s Karachi Kings host reigning champions Multan Sultans, for whom David Willey is playing and where new Yorkshire coach Ottis Gibson is the bowling coach.
Clearly, all-rounders Thompson and Willey are already well acquainted.
But Thompson is yet to meet the new coach in charge at Headingley, the former West Indies all-rounder and coach.
“I hope to meet Ottis and cross paths,” said 25-year-old Thompson.
“I’m not entirely sure what the protocols are around Covid and crossing over with other teams, spending time with them.
“But I’m sure I’ll at least get the chance to have a passing conversation with him and introduce myself before we get back to Yorkshire.
“It’s very important to get to know him as much as possible so we can kick-start the relationship between the players and him.
“I’m sure Dave will be tapping him up, talking to him about Yorkshire and things moving forwards, especially with him being T20 captain.
“That should be a good thing for us because they can start to get some plans in place early doors.
“Ottis will also get the chance to look at a few of us other Yorkshire lads out here, which is certainly no bad thing.”
Thompson continued: “Ottis is very experienced and well known around world cricket, and I think it’s very promising.
“The lads will be wanting to impress him ahead of the start of the season.
“I think there will be even more competition for places early doors because lads will be absolutely desperate to get into his first Championship team, put a couple of performances together and get on an early roll.
“As a squad, we can be very positive and hope to start the season well.”
Thompson’s busy winter continues after his recent spell in Australia’s Big Bash. But he is certainly not complaining.
He added: “I’ve missed a lot of red ball practice, which has been tough to get in. But there’s no comparison in terms of playing to training.
“The experience of playing, especially in some big contests, is 10 times better than training.
“I’d certainly rather be where I am than being in the cold in the East Stand!
