Sameen Rana, Chief Operating Officer and Team Director of Lahore Qalandars, joined Saj for an exclusive interview with PakPassion, offering valuable insights into PSL 10, Lahore Qalandars’ squad strategy, and the challenges facing Pakistan cricket.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

By Saj Sadiq (01-02-2025)

Drawing from his extensive experience in franchise management and player development, Sameen discusses key decisions, including why Lahore Qalandars opted for Daryl Mitchell over David Warner, and the frustration surrounding the ban of English players from PSL while they're allowed in IPL.

He also addresses Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy controversy and the bold move to schedule PSL alongside IPL. With a focus on Lahore Qalandars' exceptional player development system and plans for a strong comeback, Sameen reflects on the growing fan base and the potential future of PSL, including home-and-away fixtures.

Main topics covered in this interview:

Insights on Lahore Qalandars' squad composition: Shares his perspective on the strength and balance of the Lahore Qalandars' squad, including key player selections and strategic moves for the upcoming season.

Picking Daryl Mitchell: This section dives into the rationale behind choosing Daryl Mitchell over David Warner for the team, discussing Mitchell's unique skill set and how it aligns with the Qalandars' vision.

The overlap of the schedules between PSL and IPL: Reflects on the ongoing issue of the PSL and IPL overlapping, discussing the implications for player availability and how the Qalandars manage such scheduling conflicts.

Darren Gough’s impact as Qalandars' coach: A discussion on Darren Gough’s influence on the team as Lahore Qalandars' coach, including his approach to player development and leadership on and off the field.

PSL’s growth: a 10-year journey: Looks back at the growth and evolution of PSL over the last decade, discussing the league's impact on Pakistan cricket and its future prospects.

Strategic plans for Lahore Qalandars' success: Plans and goals for the Lahore Qalandars, as Sameen outlines how the team aims to build on past performances and improve in the upcoming seasons.

The ever-growing Lahore Qalandars' fan base: Talks about the loyal and passionate fan base of Lahore Qalandars, how they contribute to the team’s success, and the increasing support the franchise is receiving.

Watch the full interview here:

https://youtu.be/6gRKLb1GqdI?si=Iwe6P4Q2QANWuScA