Due to the Pakistan-India war, when the Pakistan Super League Season 10 resumed after a 9 day break, on May 18, the 29th match of the tournament featured the popular PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi facing off against the ever-active and busy Lahore Qalandars. In many ways, this match had become a knockout game,only a win could take either team to the next stage.

In this rain-affected match, the Qalandars defeated Babar Azam and his team by 26 runs to reach the playoffs for the fourth time. On May 22, they faced Karachi Kings in the Eliminator,a team that had defeated them in the PSL 2020 final at the National Stadium. This was a high stakes match where Qalandars were without their New Zealand Daryl Mitchell, England Sam Billings and Zimbabwean Sikandar Raza who had been with them throughout the season. Instead, the playing XI included players from Sri Lanka Kusal Pereraand, Bhanuka Rajapaksa & former Test captain Shakib Al Hasanfrom Bangladesh.

Remarkably, these three players contributed so effectively that it was hard to tell it was their first match of the season. In the final, the biggest news was the inclusion of a Zimbabwean player in the XI just 10minutes before the FINAL match, after a long journey from England post a Test match.

The world watched Lahore Qalandars become champions at Gaddafi Stadium, showcasing their players' relentless effort and dedication. In the post-final press conference, team captain Shaheen Shah Afridi openly dedicated the victory to the Rana brothers CEO Atif Rana and Director Sameen Rana.

In Pakistan cricket circles, Atif Rana is now a well-known name. But for the past ten years, Sameen Rana has played a crucial behind the scenes role from the PSL draft to the team’s on-field strategies. Known for his quiet demeanor and low-key work ethic, I decided to finally bring his story to light.

It was May 20 when I called the Director and asked if he would join us on our show the next day. He replied, “Of course.” After discussing the admirable achievements of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the context of the Pakistan-India war, and even talking about U.S. Charge d'Affaires Natalie A. Baker supporting the Qalandars at Rawalpindi Stadium, I questioned Sameen about how he handled the absence of coach Russell Domingo and three key players. His selection of replacements was genuinely commendable.

For the first time, Sameen Rana, who has worked behind the scenes for years, acknowledged this effort but still refrained from taking full credit, showing humility instead. I made it a point to share this truth: that professionally a chartered accountant, Sameen doesn’t just fly in from Canada for PSL as a manager or director. He remains actively involved with the Qalandars year-round. He plans, scouts players for the draft, and builds sincere relationships with them.

Even during the off-season, he stays in touch with players. A clear example is Zimbabwean all-rounder’s father, Tasdeeq Hussain Raza, who said in an interview that his son constantly stays in contact with Sameen Rana, and this very bond is what motivated his son to travel such a long distance.

A few days ago, in our Score program, former Test fast bowler Sikander Bakht stated that Pakistan’s national team needs a serious, professional manager who truly understands the game and Sameen Rana fits that role perfectly. Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, fast bowler Haris Rauf, and aggressive opener Fakhar Zaman are known to be very close to Sameen.

There is a common perception that Sameen became popular among players by giving them expensive gifts. On this, the Director says, “Only the person knows what’s truly in someone’s heart. You can’t stop people from talking.” He believes the players are ambassadors of their brand and deserve due respect. Sameen insists he sees no senior or junior players. Something the team is well aware of.“Qalandars is our one brand,” he says, “and we are always striving to make it reputable and credible within Pakistan cricket.” Speaking about his role, he says that as team director, his job is to keep the team united and move Qalandars forward.

After Season 10, he is happy that even those who once questioned his presence in the dressing room now openly admit that Sameen Rana has been the central figure in Qalandars’ victory. He believes this acknowledgment is a huge win not just for his work, but also for his sincere intentions.