PSL10: Lahore Qalandars to get David Warner?

Aatif Rana, the owner of Lahore Qalandars, shared his thoughts on David Warner’s inclusion in the team for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 during a special interview on Samaa Digital's show Zor Ka Jor.

When asked about including top players like Warner in Lahore Qalandars, he explained, “Big names are needed when your league isn’t strong enough. But now, all teams, including Lahore Qalandars, have become brands.

“I have a deep passion for cricket. Our cricketers, like Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, are stars in their own right. If our brand needs bigger names, we are always open to welcoming them, whether it’s Chris Gayle or AB de Villiers. Lahore Qalandars have always embraced big names."

Rana also acknowledged PCB’s policies, saying, “Big names are now prominent in PSL. We work hard for 11 months, carrying out talent hunts and development programs and showcasing our talent during PSL. Our team has become a family, and we make decisions together about which players the team needs. There are so many great names that it’s hard to decide who to drop and who to pick.”

Speaking about teamwork and leadership, he said, "In any workplace, everyone has different opinions, but we have to move forward together." He praised Salman Naseer (CEO of PSL), stating, "Whenever we made a suggestion, he welcomed it."

He also highlighted the importance of improving the fan experience, saying, "The most important thing is fan following. The chairman's decision to upgrade the stadiums to improve the fan experience is fantastic.”

He recalled a time when, during matches at Qaddafi Stadium, "over 500,000 people" across the city would be disturbed because of security measures disrupting the city’s routine.

“People used to argue with me, saying, “You don't win matches,” but now, after the last four seasons, they say they can't get tickets,” he said, lightheartedly adding, “Salman Naseer told me that people only ask for Lahore Qalandars tickets.”

Rana also discussed the unique strengths of PSL and compared it to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"The speciality of our neighbouring country's IPL is its Bollywood, while PSL's unique feature is its young talent." He went on to highlight that players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman gained recognition because of PSL.

Qalandars had a rough start in the PSL, failing to make the playoffs in their first two seasons in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, their performance improved slightly, but they still did not qualify. However, in 2019, Lahore Qalandars made a strong comeback, and since then, they have consistently performed better, winning the PSL championship in 2022 and 2023.