Time to be positive about the Pakistan Super League, says Sameen Rana

Lahore Qalandars players celebrate the dismissal of Karachi Kings’ wicketkeeper Tim Seifert during their Pakistan Super League Twenty20 cricket match in Karachi on April 15, 2025. (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 30 April 2025
Follow

Time to be positive about the Pakistan Super League, says Sameen Rana

  • Co-owner and COO of the Lahore Qalandars spoke to Arab News about the decade-old league and the challenges of biking a team

DUBAI: Viewed from several perspectives, it is a real achievement that the Pakistan Super League has reached its 10th year intact. It has survived COVID-19, regular changes in leadership at both Pakistan Cricket Board and political level, on-going unrest, spot-fixing, the rise of competing leagues, security issues and a seeming indifference to it outside of Pakistan.

The original contract between the PCB/PSL and the franchises contained a clause to review their value after 10 years. This now a bone of contention. It was revealed as such during an interview conducted by Arab News with Sameen Rana, co-owner and chief operating officer of the Lahore Qalandars. In a wide-ranging discussion, the motivation for the initial purchase was highlighted, followed by the challenges of building a team and an identity, concluding with a consideration of future prospects.

Rana was clear that the original motivation was “love of the country because the business model did not make sense. It was not something that was going to make money. At time of set up, the Indian Premier League was excluding Pakistani players — for us it was very much a national cause, and we wanted to do it for the country.”

It is apparent from comments made by owners of the other four original franchises that this was a common motivation. Together, the original five paid $93 million for 10 years, in a range of $5 million to $25 million.

Having made their investments, the owners were faced with building a squad of players, coaches and support staff. Rana admitted that this was a challenge. The first year was played in the UAE and, from a personal view he did not like it “as it was not the Pakistani tournament, playing in empty stadiums with small crowds who were brought in via the networks of the franchises.” However, there were “logistical benefits for the overseas players and it also meant that it allowed domestic players to play at a time when international cricket was not being played in Pakistan.”

In 2017, the PSL was played again in the UAE, but the final was played in Lahore. This was a highlight for Rana, seeing the stadium in Lahore jam-packed. The owners “had invested for the country, for the cause, and that that only became live when played in Pakistan.” Yet, that euphoria was tempered by the realities of running a cricket franchise. Rana openly emphasized that he, his brothers and others involved were businesspeople, new to cricket.

“We had no background in cricket at all. This meant we had to learn on the job. Looking back at the first year of the draft, we were unlucky in terms of the emerging category, because we had the last pick. This meant that we could not pick the players whom we wanted and the squad was not up to scratch.”

Lahore Qalandars struggled in the early years, being eliminated in the group stages. Rana revealed that they “felt disadvantaged in building a competitive squad because the more successful franchises were able to retain up to 16 players.” This meant that the top players were unavailable to the Qalandars. A different strategy was needed to build a core squad.

Rana said: “All we were hearing from various players and cricket stakeholders was that there is no talent. So, we decided to challenge that by going into the streets of Pakistan, initiating a player development program, supported by a lot of personal resources, providing player salaries, facilities for development and sending them abroad to play and learn. In this way, we have found new talent and provided the youth of Pakistan with an opportunity to make their career and to achieve their dreams through a fast-track program.”

The strategy worked to such good effect that the Qalandars finished runners-up in 2020 and champions in both 2022 and 2023. Now, there are new challenges to face, as the PSL prepares for its second decade. Disquiet has been expressed publicly by Ali Tareen of the Multan Sultans, suggesting that “the PSL’s marketing has declined, and the excitement around the tournament has also diminished compared to previous years.”

Rana disagrees with any suggestion that the PSL has lost its momentum. He takes the view that, whilst there are challenges to be faced and overcome, the PSL has been a force for good. “Ten years ago, there was no Lahore Qalandars, there was no PSL, there were no opportunities for the younger players to earn financially or to showcase their talent. There were no foreign players coming, there was no competitiveness. We were only dependent on the domestic T20 tournament, which few people watch. So, we have come a long way.”

However, he highlights a key challenge which is being faced. This is the new contract with the PSL. It seems that what the PSL has put on the table is renewal at either the current price, plus 25 percent, or the current price plus a new valuation of each team. At present, the new valuation is not available. Rana’s concern is that this potential hike in fee fails to recognize the part which franchises have played in building the brands.

He argues that “if you have worked hard to do this for the betterment of the PSL, then you are ending up paying more money as a fee, rather than getting credit for the work done. If Lahore Qalandars had not undertaken a player development program, then our valuation would be lower. This contradiction is a fundamental problem in the contract and against the objective of any contract, because it is encouraging the investor to do nothing.”

Franchises have revealed that it has taken years to overcome losses and not all of them have yet done so. A public statement from the owner of the Karachi Kings, Salman Iqbal, suggested that “if teams are still not generating profits in the current environment, the problem likely lies with their own operational models rather than the league itself.”

What must be galling for the franchise owners is that during 10 years of building loyal fanbases, enhancing commercial strategies and honing marketing strategies, the body which has consistently made money is the PSL and, by extension, the PCB.

A detailed financial analysis is beyond the scope of this column but such an analysis would reveal that the PSL has bankrolled the PCB for years. Only the return of international cricket to Pakistan, which has generated ICC and ACC revenues, has changed the balance. It is understandable that the franchise owners might feel under appreciated. The PSL was born in exile, nurtured amid political chaos, and sustained by franchise owners who have lost money. They invested for Pakistan. The PSL survived and gave creditability to Pakistan’s cricketing reputation.

Rana requests that “everybody remains positive and not create a culture of negativity, which can only damage Pakistan. The PSL has the future of players attached to it, plus a range of economic activity, so that should not be destroyed.”

In that context, it might be assumed that now is the time for the PCB to recognize the debt they owe to franchise owners, rather than run the risk of alienating them.

It is fair to say that the PCB/PSL stands at a crossroads. The return of international cricket provides an opportunity for the PCB to see the contribution which the franchises have made to that outcome. The love which they have displayed for the country through their PSL investment amounts to an act of faith. Whether that faith will be reciprocated in the negotiations to come or whether the PCB will seek, or be forced, to lever increased value for the rights to franchise is a matter now being played out. Once again, the PSL’s future is under pressure and Rana has pinpointed the central issue.


Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1

Updated 10 sec ago
Follow

Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1

SEATTLE: Valentin Carboni scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time to give Inter Milan a 2-1 win over Urawa in the Club World Cup on Saturday, ending the Japan club's chances of advancing past the group stage.
Inter Milan held the vast majority of possession, but failed to score until the 78th minute when Lautaro Martinez brilliantly bicycle kicked Nicolo Barella’s corner ball into the net.
Carboni's game-winner came in the second minute of stoppage time and was assisted by fellow substitute Francesco Esposito.
The Urawa Red Diamonds opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Takuro Kaneko assisted Ryoma Watanabe in transition, finding Watanabe all alone on the penalty spot with his cutback ball.
Key moment
Urawa had one final chance to equalize in the last minute of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Yann Sommer tipped the long-distance attempt directly from the free kick over the crossbar.
Takeaways
Inter Milan takes over the top spot in Group E after following up their tournament-opening draw with the victory. The Italian club will play River Plate of Argentina on Wednesday.
Urawa will be playing for pride against CF Monterrey on Wednesday.


Medvedev defeats old rival Zverev to reach Halle Open final, Bublik awaits

Updated 21 June 2025
Follow

Medvedev defeats old rival Zverev to reach Halle Open final, Bublik awaits

  • “I could have done much better when I had the break in the second but it is normal,” Medvedev said
  • It’s Medvedev’s fourth consecutive win over Zverev

HALLE, Germany: Daniil Medvedev ended home favorite Alexander Zverev’s hopes of grass-court glory with a 7-6 (3), 6-7 (1), 6-4 win in their Halle Open semifinal on Saturday.

Medvedev recovered from squandering three match points on Zverev’s serve at 5-6 in the second set and took nearly 3 hours to get past his old rival and reach his first final in 15 months.

“I could have done much better when I had the break in the second but it is normal,” Medvedev said. “The same happened in the third set that when I had the break, he started playing better, returning better. I am happy that in the third set I managed to stay more composed and managed to save those break points.”

It’s Medvedev’s fourth consecutive win over Zverev and it extended his lead to 13-7 in their head-to-head series.

The Russian player will face Alexander Bublik — who beat top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the second round — in Sunday’s final.

Bublik, the 2023 champion, fired 18 aces as he defeated Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the other semifinal.

Medvedev hasn’t played a final since March 2024, when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells.

Zverev, who had been bidding to reach the Halle final for the third time, will have to wait for his first title on grass.


Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller

Updated 21 June 2025
Follow

Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller

  • Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly
  • “It’s a really nice bonus (to score), I’m glad we won,” Bellingham told DAZN

CINCINNATI, USA: Jobe Bellingham netted his first Borussia Dortmund goal in a gripping 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup on Saturday.

The English midfielder, who this month followed older brother Jude’s footsteps in joining the German side, started for the first time for Dortmund.

Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly to triumph in sweltering conditions in Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium and move top of Group F.

“It’s a really nice bonus (to score), I’m glad we won but there’s a lot of things for me to improve on personally and for the team,” Bellingham told DAZN.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had claimed teams from the “south” had an advantage because of the heat, and the Sundowns 11th minute opener appeared to confirm his fears.

Lucas Ribeiro’s fine solo goal put the CAF Champions League runners-up ahead, with the Brazilian charging forward from his own half before beating Gregor Kobel.

However Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equalizer on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home.

Both stoppers made good saves in an end-to-end clash before Dortmund claimed the lead through striker Serhou Guirassy.

Dortmund won the ball high up the pitch and Julian Brandt crossed for the Guinea international to score with a fine leap and header, continuing his fine form this season.

Bellingham, who joined earlier in June from Sunderland for 33 million euros ($37 million), netted Dortmund’s third just before the break.

Williams parried a cross into his path and after controlling on his chest, Bellingham drilled home.

“I’ve practiced that so many times, arriving late on the edge of the box as a midfielder is something you have to be really good at,” said Bellingham.

“As a kid and at Sunderland I’ve practiced that so many times, during training, after training, so I’m really proud of it.”

His brother Jude signed for Dortmund five years ago, before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2023.


“Hey Jobe,” sang Dortmund fans, adapting the Beatles classic “Hey Jude” which they used to sing to Jude Bellingham.

“I didn’t hear that but it’s really nice,” said the Dortmund midfielder.

Dortmund were toothless in their opening draw against Fluminense but grabbed their fourth when Kuliso Mudau turned into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross.

Three minutes later Iqraam Rayners pulled one back as the Sundowns, who have won the last eight South African league titles, refused to give up.

Rayners, who netted Sundowns’ winner in the first match against Ulsan HD, hit the post with a header and reacted quickly to nod home the rebound.

Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso’s side pulled back another through Lebo Mothiba in the 90th minute, forcing Dortmund to sweat through six minutes of stoppage time before they were able to celebrate their victory.

“The result is not what we wanted but we made a wonderful game,” Cardoso told DAZN.

“It’s important people understand what was at stake in this match. (Considering) the level of team that we played against, we worked fantastically.

“The boys made a wonderful performance... it was a hell of a match. I’m not happy but very proud.”

Later Saturday in the other Group F clash Fluminense take on Ulsan at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.


Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract

Updated 21 June 2025
Follow

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract

  • The 51-year-old led Forest to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season
  • A late slump in form saw them settle for a place in the Europa Conference League

LONDON: Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was rewarded for guiding his side into Europe by signing a new three-year contract on Saturday.

The 51-year-old led Forest to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, securing European qualification for the first time since the 1995/96 season.

After battling relegation for much of their first two campaigns back in the Premier League after a 23-year absence, Forest were on course to qualify for the Champions League last season.

A late slump in form saw them settle for a place in the Europa Conference League instead and included a flashpoint when owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted Nuno on the pitch after a 2-2 draw against relegated Leicester.

Former Manchester United captain and leading pundit Gary Neville said the Portuguese coach should have resigned in protest at that incident.

However, the former Wolves and Tottenham boss has committed his future to the City Ground and thanked Marinakis for his support since he was appointed in December 2023.

“I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football club,” Nuno said in a club statement.

“Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the club, which helped us achieve great things last season.

“I would like to thank our owner, Mr.Marinakis, for his constant support and backing. It is important to me to share a strong relationship with our ownership and we have thoroughly enjoyed working together ever since I arrived at Forest.”

Marinakis paid tribute to the impact made by Nuno and reiterated his desire for the two-time European champions to be contenders for major trophies once more.

“We enjoy a strong and solid relationship together,” said the Greek shipping magnate.

“Above all, we share the same dream and ambition of writing a new history for Nottingham Forest, competing in the Premier League and in Europe and winning trophies for our great club.”


Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash

Updated 21 June 2025
Follow

Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash

  • The French superstar was taken to hospital on Thursday for tests and treatment
  • Mbappe is improving “bit by bit” said the club source

FLORIDA: Ill Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe will not travel to Charlotte for the team’s Club World Cup match against Pachuca, a club source told AFP Saturday.

The French superstar was taken to hospital on Thursday for tests and treatment after suffering gastroenteritis, before later being released.

Mbappe is improving “bit by bit” said the club source, but he will not fly with his team-mates for Sunday’s match against Mexican side Pachuca.

The 26-year-old missed the opening game with the same illness as Madrid were held 1-1 by Al-Hilal in Xabi Alonso’s debut as coach.

Madrid B-team player Gonzalo Garcia, 21, started in Mbappe’s stead and opened the scoring for Real Madrid against their Saudi Arabian opponents.

Mbappe finished as the European Golden Shoe winner in his first season at Real Madrid with 31 goals in La Liga and 43 across all competitions, but Los Blancos finished the season without a major trophy.