Lahore Qalandars announce two-day cricket event for Press Club members

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League three-time champions franchise Lahore Qalandars has announced a unique two-day cricket tournament featuring members of the Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi Press Clubs, in a move aimed at promoting healthy sporting activities among journalists.

The announcement was made at the Lahore Press Club, where Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atif Naeem Rana addressed the media alongside Press Club President Arshad Ansari.

Speaking at the occasion, Atif Rana said that Lahore Qalandars have always gone beyond cricket by playing a meaningful role in spreading joy and promoting healthy activities in different segments of society. “Journalists always cover different events and personalities, but this time Lahore Qalandars thought differently. We want the journalists themselves to be covered and celebrated,” said Rana.

“That is why we are providing them with the opportunity to fill the grounds and engage in healthy sporting activities. Promoting sports, especially among those who have been covering it for years, is a significant step toward highlighting the importance of physical activity,” he added.

Atif Rana further said that the format of the matches, whether tape-ball or hard-ball cricket, and the scheduling, including the possibility of holding the tournament during the holy month of Ramadan, would be decided by the respective press clubs. Rana reiterated that Lahore Qalandars are not only committed to professional cricket but are also actively contributing to other sporting disciplines and community initiatives.

Responding to a question regarding distancing from the hockey federation, he clarified that the franchise currently does not have the authority to field players following certain administrative developments. However, he emphasised that their commitment to promoting Pakistan’s national sport remains intact. “We are waiting for the right time to play our role again in uplifting the national game. There is no permanent separation; it is only a temporary phase,” he stated.

When asked about the recent dip in performance of Qalandars’ star pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, Atif Rana said the franchise has always provided its players with a positive environment, proper facilities, and, most importantly, confidence. “A supportive environment and trust are essential for any player’s success. In my view, they simply need focus and continued backing,” he said.

Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari praised Atif Rana for his dedication to grassroots cricket development through the franchise’s Players Development Program. “Atif Rana is a good friend and a visionary. He has taken grassroots cricket to a new level by engaging youth in healthy activities and helping them realize their dreams of representing Pakistan,” said Ansari.

He highlighted that Lahore Qalandars have traveled to remote areas across the country to identify and nurture emerging talent. “They have discovered exceptional talent from every corner of Pakistan. We are hopeful that these players will shine at both national and international levels and serve the country with distinction.”

Ansari also appreciated the initiative to organize cricket matches specifically for journalists, calling it a healthy and constructive activity for the media community. “This event for journalists is a wonderful initiative. I am glad to reveal that Atif Rana has also assured me of full support to the Lahore Press Club and the journalist fraternity.”