Islamabad (Syed Javed Hassan Shah): Lahore Qalandars, PSL champions, proudly celebrated their 10-year anniversary, marking a remarkable decade in which the franchise evolved into one of the most successful and valuable teams in the Pakistan Super League.

The franchise has officially accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s renewal offer, confirming Lahore Qalandars’ participation in the PSL for the next 10 years.

In a recent independent valuation conducted by EY MENA, Lahore Qalandars were recognised as the most valuable PSL franchise, based on their combined on-field performance and organisational strength. This recognition reflects the franchise’s unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, structural excellence, and long-term development.

With an outstanding record of three PSL titles in the last four seasons, Lahore Qalandars have set a benchmark for excellence both on and off the field. The franchise has taken significant strides in youth development, fan engagement, global cricket partnerships, and has consistently upheld a culture of sustainable excellence.

The “Decade of Glory” celebrations, held in Islamabad, brought together the Qalandars family, including star players Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Salman Mirza. The festivities also featured a special lunch reception and trophy ceremony with MD Zimbabwe Cricket, Mr. Givemore Makoni, and the Zimbabwe Cricket team, further strengthening international partnerships.

The event showcased the franchise’s strong ties with Zimbabwe Cricket, highlighted by player-exchange programs and opportunities for Pakistani cricketers to gain experience in Zimbabwe’s domestic cricket structure. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, widely known as “Qalandars ka Sikandar”, played a pivotal role in fostering this collaboration.

Adding international flair to the celebrations, Sri Lankan stars Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Kusal Perera — the latter being the Player of the Match in last season’s PSL final — were also in attendance.

A major highlight of the event was the announcement of the Lahore Qalandars High Performance Center expansion in partnership with Capital Smart City Islamabad, a project by Zahid Rafiq Group. Aiming to nurture the next generation of cricketing talent, this will be Lahore Qalandars’ third High Performance Center in Pakistan, following successful establishments in Lahore and Karachi.

Chairman Zahid Rafiq emphasized the vision behind the initiative, stating:
“Building a High Performance Center under the renowned name of Lahore Qalandars is not just about infrastructure; it’s about creating a legacy where talent meets opportunity, and the future stars of Pakistan cricket are nurtured to shine on the world stage.”

Atif Naeem Rana, Owner and CEO of Lahore Qalandars, said:
“Lahore Qalandars has always been more than just a team. It is a movement powered by passion, our fans, and the belief that excellence on and off the field must go hand in hand. Winning three titles in four years, investing in youth development, and forming global partnerships reflect what this franchise stands for. The next chapter promises to be even more impactful as we continue to push boundaries in PSL and world cricket.”

Sameen Rana, Owner and COO, added:
“Completing ten years is a proud moment for the entire Qalandars family. This journey has been built on hard work, stability, and a clear vision. The independent valuation recognising us is a testament to the systems we have built, not just the trophies we have won. As we step into the next decade, our ambition is even stronger and our responsibility even greater.”

With an incredible legacy built over a decade, Lahore Qalandars are set to enter the next era of innovation, excellence, and global impact in cricket.