PSL rising value reflects a decade of success: Qalandars CEO Atif Rana
Atif Rana eyes football as next frontier for development model
Sameen Rana says, “Development is a journey, not a destination”
LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have transformed from a Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise into a major platform for cricket development in Pakistan through their Players Development Program (PDP). The initiative focuses on grassroots talent identification, data-driven scouting, and high-performance training.
Owners Atif Rana and Sameen Rana, in an exclusive interview, emphasised their commitment to building a sustainable cricket ecosystem that nurtures future national and international players. Atif Rana said the biggest flaw in Pakistan’s traditional cricket development model was the absence of a structured, inclusive pathway that connected talent identification with long-term education and community engagement.
He explained that globally, sports development systems are generally divided into two streams: education-based and community-based. “True sustainability comes when both models are integrated,” Rana noted. “Creating structures is only the first step. Executing them with consistency and purpose is what truly matters.”
Rana emphasised that engaging youth throughout the development process remains the cornerstone of the Qalandars’ philosophy. He pointed to initiatives such as the Atif Rana Club (ARC) at the grassroots level and the PDP at the national level as examples of long-term, scalable solutions. According to him, these platforms are designed not merely to discover talent, but to instil discipline, professionalism, and resilience in young cricketers.
Reflecting on the evolution of the PSL, Rana described the league’s growth as a proof of its rising value. He recalled that when the PSL was launched, investor interest was limited. However, the recent bidding process for two new teams attracted 12 bidders in the very first round. “This level of interest shows how far the league has come in a decade,” he said, adding that expanding the league would only enhance competitiveness and commercial strength.
Beyond cricket, Rana also expressed his willingness to contribute to Pakistan’s sporting ecosystem in other capacities. He revealed that if a Pakistan Professional Football League were launched, he would be keen to apply the same development-driven philosophy to football. “Talent exists in every sport,” he remarked. “What young athletes need is a platform, and PDP is exactly that.”
Rana also highlighted nationwide talent-hunting initiatives, including programmes for female athletes, and the growing number of registrations at Lahore Qalandars’ academies. “The future is far brighter than many realise,” he said. “Young people should believe in the process and stay committed.”
Meanwhile, Sameen Rana underlined the importance of continuity and adaptability in sustaining long-term success. He noted that the franchise’s first five years were challenging, while the next phase produced tangible results. Looking ahead, he said the focus would remain on learning, refining strategies, and aligning momentum with future opportunities. “Development is not a fixed destination,” Sameen explained. “It is a continuous process, and learning never truly stops.”
About the evolving PCB draft-and-auction model, where only four players will be retained while the rest enter the auction pool, he acknowledged the emotional and strategic challenges involved. He said the priority would always be to build the strongest possible team combination, even if it meant parting ways with long-serving players. “Leadership is crucial. Strong leadership can make difficult transitions work smoothly.”
Sameen also confirmed plans to expand the PDP to the United States, expressing optimism about the country’s cricketing future. He described the US market as different rather than difficult, noting that while cricket is ubiquitous in Pakistan, the US environment attracts only those deeply passionate about the game. “That focus can actually accelerate development,” he said, adding that the long-term goal is to channel emerging US talent into elite platforms like the PSL.
On producing national players, Sameen Rana reiterated that merit remains the only pathway to success. “Qalandars’ role is to identify talent at the grassroots level, polish it, and provide a stage where performance speaks for itself. Anyone who performs will find his way to the national jersey.”
