Q Khan, a philanthropic entrepreneur based in the UK and owner of Dambulla Giants Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 team, has been awarded a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Cricket and Charity.

His two passions, cricket and property, have led Q to building Hamro PLC, a leading property part-exchange company, and developing the Hamro Foundation, a charity providing young people in Essex and London with the opportunity to play Q’s first love, cricket.

Q moved to the UK from Pakistan in 1977 and left home four years later, aged 16, after studying Business Studies at Debden College. Q worked through management training placements and as a finance manager before founding Eastway Property Services in 1992.

Q went on to found Hamro Plc, a specialist part exchange provider for the retirement homes sector, in 2004 and built the company up to a thriving business working with leading housebuilders such as McCarthy & Stone, Miller Homes and Jones Homes.

Q has a strong belief that being able to share success and touch the lives of others is key to a happier life. Q set up the Hamro Foundation in 2017 as an opportunity to give back to the community through cricket. The Hamro Foundation aims to give young people the chance to play cricket and learn teamwork, discipline, teach vital skills, unite diverse groups, and educate young people around the UK and London. The Hamro Foundation has worked with organisations such as the Lords Taverners in the Wicketz Programme and other cricketing bodies to help children ignite their passion for cricket. Alongside his work with the Hamro Foundation Q has provided funding to a variety of organisations and projects, including: Essex Cricket Foundation, Surrey Foundation, National Fast Bowling Academy, and the MCC Foundation.

“I am honoured to have been awarded an MBE and acknowledged for the work I do in the UK to help support cricket and allow people the opportunity to get involved in a sport I am so passionate about,” Commented Q. In 2020 he purchased the Dambulla Giants LPL team and has supported it through a successful season. Q looks to build the presence of domestic cricket in Sri Lanka whilst helping promote the quality of cricket and local talent on an international level.

The recent season saw Dambulla Giants attract a wealth of both local and international cricketing stars. Dambulla Giants were the only franchise to feature eight uncapped local players including Janith Liyanage, who received the man of series for LPLT20 and has now been included in the 18-man National squad for Sri Lanka.