The dynamic franchise of the Pakistan Super League, Lahore Qalandars, has given new hope, vision, and a platform to youth who seek their future in the sport of cricket. Emerging through the platform of the PSL in 2016, the journey and achievements of Lahore Qalandars have now become a widely recognized success story. Among the Rana brothers who own the franchise, Atif Rana stands out as the visionary mind behind transforming Lahore Qalandars from a popular cricket team into a unique and influential identity.

Through their Players Development Program, Lahore Qalandars made history by conducting over 500,000 trials across Pakistan. In May 2022, when England’s former Test fast bowler Darren Gough visited Lahore to witness the Qalandars’ trials, he was astonished by the scale and organization of the event, a reflection of the franchise’s clear vision.

I often asked Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana why he didn’t hold open trials in Karachi and Hyderabad, where thousands of talented and aspiring young cricketers awaited such opportunities. His consistent reply was always, “Certainly, Yahya Bhai!”

As the Prime Minister Youth Program partnered with Lahore Qalandars to initiate open trials nationwide, Atif Rana told me he planned to visit various cities in Sindh, including Karachi, after returning from the USA in August. One day, while sitting with Azhar Zia, the CEO of EMA Enterprise (an event management company), I shared this development. He asked, “Yahya Bhai, would it be possible to organize a dinner in honor of Atif Rana when he visits Karachi?” I replied that we would consider it once his trip was confirmed.

Right then, I received a call from Atif Rana, informing me that he would be arriving in Karachi in July itself for the trials. Upon hearing this, Azhar Zia immediately contacted Babur Abbasi, Chairman of Hussain Marketing, and told him, “We are organizing a special event in collaboration with Lahore Qalandars on July 8, 2025, at Marriott Hotel Karachi,” and asked me to get a final confirmation from Atif Rana.

From what I knew about Azhar Zia and Babur Abbasi, once they set their mind to something, they get it done. However, I did not anticipate that the event for Atif Rana would be such a grand affair, glittering with celebrities and key personalities. Babur Abbasi insisted that Yahya Hussaini would host the event.

The event, held in honor of Atif Rana, featured prominent guests including Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Sindh’s Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives, who called Lahore Qalandars’ trials a ray of hope for Sindh's youth and pledged full support. PPP MPA Asif Mansoob also spoke on the occasion, emphasizing that such an opportunity for Karachi and Sindh’s young cricketers was unprecedented.

Irfan Soomro, Director General, Foreign Affairs Liaison Office Karachi, remarked that sports have always provided direction and growth to a nation's youth, and he was willing to support the Qalandars’ efforts in every way possible.

The event was attended by leading business personalities and a host of showbiz stars, including actors Ahsan Khan, Sahir Lodhi, Nadia Hussain, renowned writer and activist Zulfiqar Halepoto, and Maqbool Rahu, CEO of Hands.

During the event, Atif Rana presented Lahore Qalandars T-shirts as gifts to the esteemed guests, while Azhar Zia presented commemorative shields and traditional Ajrak as tokens of appreciation. Before his speech, Atif Rana showcased a documentary highlighting the ten-year journey of Lahore Qalandars and expressed that the warm welcome he received in Karachi was a great honor.

He stated that the nationwide trials under the Prime Minister Youth Program, in partnership with Lahore Qalandars, reflect the franchise’s unwavering commitment to discovering and promoting cricketing talent across Pakistan. He further emphasized, “We have run Lahore Qalandars with the philosophy that sports are for everyone,” and affirmed his decision to move forward with Pakistan’s youth.

Lahore Qalandars’ popularity continues to soar on social media, with millions of followers. Today, the franchise is no longer just a cricket team in Pakistan,it has emerged as a globally recognized cricket brand representing Pakistan.

Babur Abbasi, Head of Hussain Marketing, stated that the fame and admiration for Lahore Qalandars is no secret and expressed his pride in organizing an evening in honor of Atif Rana. EMA Enterprise’s Azhar Zia, the event’s main organizer, delivered the vote of thanks and said that while he has hosted many events, this evening dedicated to Atif Rana holds a special place in his heart.