Lahore Qalandars have announced overseas trials in the United Kingdom along with plans to collaborate with English county clubs through a formal exchange program.
The initiative, unveiled during the team’s historic trophy tour in the UK, is designed to offer young Pakistani cricketers international exposure and open pathways to professional cricket both within the PSL and beyond. “This project isn’t limited to Lahore Qalandars alone,” said Chief Operating Officer Sameen Rana at the celebratory event hosted at the Pakistan High Commission in London.
“We’re aiming to give our youth a platform where they can gain valuable experience and potentially represent Qalandars or other major franchises. This is the start of something bigger for Pakistan cricket,” COO Sameen Rana added.
The announcement coincided with the Qalandars’ PSL 10 trophy tour to the UK, led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. The tour aimed to recognize the contributions of overseas players and connect with the passionate Pakistani diaspora. The event, hosted by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, honoured England-based Qalandars stars Sam Billings and Tom Curran, both of whom missed the PSL final due to travel constraints.
“We believe in celebrating every member of our family,” said Shaheen Afridi. “When some of our key players couldn’t be with us in Lahore, we decided to bring the celebration to them here in the UK. That’s what sets Qalandars apart, our unity and our people-first culture.”
The event was attended by CEO Atif Rana, COO Sameen Rana, former PCB chairman and PSL founder Najam Sethi, and journalist Jugnu Mohsin, along with prominent members of the UK Pakistani community and media. Atif Rana expressed his gratitude for the support of the diaspora. “This isn’t just about cricket. It’s about building bridges through sport,” he said.
Billings and Curran were both visibly moved. “There’s something truly special about this franchise,” said Billings. “Sameen and Shaheen create an environment where everyone feels valued.” Curran echoed the sentiment: “It felt like home from the moment I joined.”
Najam Sethi recalled the early days of the PSL, admitting initial skepticism about the team name. “I wasn’t sure about ‘Qalandars’, it didn’t sound like a warrior. But Atif’s vision to blend sports with Sufi culture has become a unifying force.”
High Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Faisal commended the team’s sporting success and their role in cultural diplomacy. “The Qalandars represent not just cricketing excellence but also Pakistan’s soft power abroad.”
