ISLAMABAD: The long-standing PSL vs IPL debate has reignited—this time fuelled by bold remarks from within the Lahore Qalandars’ camp.
In a candid discussion, Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana stood firmly by his franchise’s long-term philosophy, taking a swipe at leagues like the IPL for their lack of true player development.
Rather than pursuing big-name signings, Atif emphasised that Lahore’s true strength lies in its commitment to grassroots talent.
“Today, because of the PSL and LQ’s Player Development Programme, Harry Brook is leading England. Show me one IPL or any other league team whose player has achieved this because of them,” he stated during an appearance on a media podcast.
Atif Rana did not limit his praise to domestic success. He pointed out that the Qalandars were also instrumental in giving global stars their initial platform.
“We introduced Tim David. Phil Salt travelled to Australia under Sohail Akhtar’s captaincy with our PDP squad,” he highlighted.
These players have since become fixtures in top T20 leagues around the world, but Atif insists their journey began with Lahore Qalandars.
From Draft Underdogs to Talent Trailblazers
In the early years, when Lahore Qalandars were struggling on the field, they were also relegated to picking last in the drafts—often left with the players others overlooked.
“Our picks in the ‘emerging’ category were often aged 29 to 31. People claimed Pakistan’s cricket talent had run dry,” Atif shared in a conversation with media.
Instead of giving in, Lahore Qalandars doubled down on an ambitious vision few dared to imagine—a nationwide Player Development Programme that went well beyond the conventional city-based scouting.
The PDP conducted open trials across the country, reaching into Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and beyond.
“We physically trialled over 650,000 youngsters. That’s where the real talent was—outside the established circuits,” he explained.
And the results have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman—now key figures in Pakistan’s national setup—were all unearthed and refined through the Qalandars’ developmental system.
