Mohammad Naeem says Lahore Qalandars dream is driving his PSL journey

KARACHI: Lahore Qalandars batter Mohammad Naeem has said representing the franchise is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition, describing the team as his dream side since the Pakistan Super League began.

Now in his second season with Lahore Qalandars, Naeem said he remains grateful for the opportunity to be part of the franchise and credited the environment around him for helping his development.

“First of all, I thank Allah for being part of such a great franchise,” he said. “Since the PSL started, Lahore Qalandars were my dream and favourite team, and now this is my second year here.”

Naeem said the confidence shown in him by the team management has played a central role in his progress. He said the backing he has received has allowed him to play without carrying extra pressure when he goes out to bat.

“The management has taken all the pressure away from me,” he said. “They’ve given me a free hand, to go out, play my game, and do what I feel is right without fear.”

He said that while every batter has personal ambitions, his own focus remains tied to the team’s success rather than individual milestones.

“Every batter has personal goals,” Naeem said, “but as a Qalandar, my only goal is that whatever innings I play should contribute to the team’s win.”

Hard work and sacrifice behind progress

Naeem said his rise has come through sustained effort, discipline and commitment, adding that reaching this level is not possible without passion and dedication.

“There is a lot of hard work and sacrifice behind this,” he noted. “Without passion and dedication, it’s not possible to reach this level. That hunger and madness to achieve something, that’s what brings you closer to your goals.”

He also spoke about the atmosphere inside the Lahore Qalandars dressing room, saying young players benefit from sharing space with senior cricketers and international names in a setting that feels supportive rather than intimidating.

“Every young player wants to share a dressing room with big names and international stars,” he said. “But here, it doesn’t feel like that; it feels like a family. We don’t feel any pressure of sitting with big players, and that’s why we enjoy it and learn so much.”

Focus remains on team success

As the PSL season continues, Naeem said he has not set any personal statistical targets and is concentrating only on helping Lahore Qalandars challenge for silverware again.

“I haven’t set any individual targets,” he said. “My only goal is to help Lahore Qalandars win another trophy, no matter how that happens.”

Naeem’s remarks underline his emphasis on collective success, while also reflecting the role he believes trust, freedom and a positive dressing-room culture have played in shaping his journey with the franchise.