By our correspondent
LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars Team Director Sameen Rana has said his side was well on course to finish in the top two of the PSL 10 league stage, but uncontrollable circumstances, particularly weather disruptions, tilted the season against them. Speaking to media in Lahore, Rana pointed to the washed-out match against Quetta Gladiators and rain-altered conditions in the tight contest against Karachi Kings as key setbacks.
Despite sitting fourth on the table, Rana remained optimistic about Qalandars’ playoff chances. “Our fate is in our own hands now. If we win, we qualify,” he said, stressing that the team still has everything to play for. “The defeat was a shock, not a knockout. That’s what keeps us going. We’re still in the tournament.” Rana defended pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who have faced criticism in recent days, calling them “Pakistan’s pride” and “two of the world’s best bowlers.”
He said both were deeply affected by the team’s recent results. “Rewards are not about greed—they’re about affection. It’s a tradition we started that others followed,” he added, referring to the culture of acknowledging players’ efforts with personal incentives. Responding to criticism around player selection, Rana pushed back against claims that inclusions like Naeem were made for publicity. “Qalandars don’t need a name. It’s unfair to say that. Ahmad Daniyal played well—we’re happy for him,” he said.
He also underlined the success of Qalandars’ Player Development Program (PDP), pointing out that many of its graduates now represent rival PSL franchises. “We didn’t work for fame, but to provide talent to Pakistan,” he said. Addressing technical critiques of the team’s strategies, particularly the decision not to play a third pacer, Rana said: “Not playing a third pacer wasn’t the sole reason. If Shaheen and Haris couldn’t defend it, no one else could have either.”
On franchise ownership, Rana categorically dismissed speculation of a change. “The rumor that new owners will take over is false. We’ve already confirmed on 31 December that all six current owners will continue,” he said, affirming the Qalandars’ long-term commitment to the PSL. “We’ve been through highs and lows—security issues, COVID, fixing scandals—and we’re still here.”
