Two-time Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Lahore Qalandars have entered another franchise cricket league.
Qalandars, who won PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, have acquired a franchise in the upcoming Zim Afro T10. Durban Qalandars will participate in the inaugural edition of the league.
The top management of Qalandars is excited about their new venture. They are looking forward to replicating their PSL success in Zimbabwe's first-ever league.
Zim Afro T10 is a branch of the Abu Dhabi T10 league. It is backed by T Ten Global Sports. The first edition will be played from July 20 to 29. The players' draft will take place on July 2.
Earlier, Qalandars joined hands with Toronto Nationals ahead of the Global T20 (GT20) in Canada. The reigning PSL champions will outsource their coaching staff, led by Aaqib Javed.
Along with Aqib, full-time bowling coach Waqas Ahmed, fielding coach Shahzad Butt, and performance analyst Nabeel Edger Pace will also be part of the Canadian franchise.
"We are thrilled to be a part of the GT20 here in Canada and assisting Toronto Nationals with setting up the roster and providing them our full coaching staff in the upcoming season," Lahore Qalandars’ Chief Operating Officer Sameen Rana said. "In our responsibility, we will help the franchise to achieve their winning ambitions in the league. The deal is a first of a kind and it is initially for a season and we will see how it goes.”
"For us, it could also serve as a talent scouting on some unseen players from associates countries. Who knows we could find another Tim David out of another associate country who outshines and become a part of a bigger cricket ecosystem,” he added.
The GT20, which is being held after a gap of four years, will start on July 20 with the final scheduled for August 6.