Ikram Butt, founder of the British Asian Rugby Association in Bradford, is taking rugby league to Dubai as the Pakistan national team gears up for their first-ever game.

Former England star Butt, who enjoyed spells at several top-flight teams including Leeds Rhinos and Hudders-field Giants, made history in 1995 when he became the first British Asian player to represent England in any rugby code.

After his retirement from rugby he set up BARA in Bradford in 2004, with the aim to provide positive role models and increase community integration.

Butt has spent the past decade helping to form the Pakistan national team and has helped to organise a match against a British Amateur Rugby League Select team at the Sport City stadium in Dubai on November 29.

Huggy Osman, the former boxer, has accepted an invitation to serve as Pakistan’s team manager, while BARLA chairman Spen Allison has visited Pakistan to help co-ordinate the match along with former European Rugby League executive Kevin Rudd.

Three players from Bradford – Rashid Mahmood, Amraz Hamid and Faisal Khan – are taking part in the event, which will also be attended by Sky pundit Mike ‘Stevo’ Stephenson and former St Helens star Apollo Perelini, who is coaching in Dubai.

Butt said: “Our aim is to launch rugby league to further develop the game in Pakistan and to provide positive role models for children and young people to aspire to here in the UK and in Pakistan.

“We also aim to use rugby as a vehicle to harmonise our communities and demonstrate contribution in a positive way.

“We are looking for potential sponsors to assist in provided much needed resources to make this event a success in addition sponsors to get involved in the long term.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor the team can contact Huggy Osman on 07922388270.