Lahore Qalandars

What Lahore Qalandars does

Lahore Qalandars is a privately-owned professional cricket franchise based in Lahore, Pakistan, competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) since the 2015-16 season. The franchise is owned and operated by Atif Rana (CEO) and Sameen Rana (COO), and was independently recognized by EY MENA as the most valuable team in the PSL after winning three titles in four seasons (PSL 7 in 2022, PSL 8 in 2023, and PSL 10 in 2025), including the league's only back-to-back championship. Its core product is on-field cricket performance within the PSL franchise structure, layered with a Player Development Program (PDP) that conducts open merit-based trials across Pakistan and runs through High Performance Centres (HPCs) in Lahore (University of Lahore), Karachi, Islamabad (Capital Smart City / Lake View LQ Smart HPC), and Wazirabad (Muslim Hands Qalandars HPC). The PDP has produced Pakistan international Haris Rauf and engages with youth aged 15-25, including the PMYP Talent Hunt National League 2025 which drew hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide.

The franchise's revenue model draws on four streams: (1) PSL franchise participation including central league broadcasting and commercial revenue share governed by the Pakistan Cricket Board; (2) corporate sponsorship across platinum, gold, and bronze tiers (AirSial, GripActive, Daily Deli Co., Panthers Group, Bank of Punjab, Geo, Jolywood, IFFI, and others) with branding on team kits, helmets, and channels; (3) direct-to-consumer merchandise through the official e-commerce store (home kits at PKR 2,500, customized kits at PKR 4,500) with international distribution via GripActive under a 3-year deal; and (4) international franchise participation, including ownership of Durban Qalandars in the Zim Afro T10 and participation in the ExxonMobil Global Super League in Guyana (2024, returning 2026). The franchise signed a 10-year player-exchange MoU with Zimbabwe Cricket in 2023 — the only such long-term agreement any PSL franchise holds with a Test-playing nation — and a global joint venture with Warwickshire County Cricket Club in August 2025 for player/coach exchanges and joint academies across the UK and Pakistan. Distribution to fans runs through owned channels (official store, Gaddafi Stadium retail, social media reaching ~1.4M X/Twitter, ~876K Instagram, ~669K YouTube followers) and partner channels (GripActive international, sponsors). There is no proprietary technology platform or AI/ML capability described; operations are typical of a sports franchise with 11-50 employees.

Name

Lahore Qalandars

Legal name

Lahore Qalandars

Website

https://lahoreqalandars.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lahore Qalandars is a privately-owned Pakistani cricket franchise competing in the Pakistan Super League, recognized by EY MENA as the PSL's most valuable franchise after winning three titles in four seasons, operating a Player Development Program and four High Performance Centres.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Cricket Franchise

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211)

akta.pro primary industry

Cricket Leagues (MPAKAAAF)

Keywords

• Professional cricket franchise
• Cricket talent development
• Sports merchandise sales
• T20 league participation
• Franchise sports entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Lahore

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. PSL Tournament Franchise Revenue: Revenue generated from participation as a franchise team in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), including match revenue, broadcasting rights share, and league-level commercial income.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of official franchise merchandise including playing kits (home and away), caps, and other branded apparel through the official e-commerce store. Price points include PKR 2,500 for standard home kit and PKR 4,500 for customized kits.
3. Sponsorship & Branding: Revenue from corporate sponsors displayed on team kits, helmets, and official channels. Includes platinum/gold/bronze tier sponsors (AirSial, GripActive, Panthers Group, Daily Deli Co., SMOG Ko Karo All Out, RUDA, BOP, Geo, GripActive, Jolywood, IFFI, and others).
4. International Franchise Tournament Participation: Revenue from participation in global franchise leagues such as the ExxonMobil Global Super League in Guyana and the Zim Afro T10 in Zimbabwe, where the franchise owns satellite teams (Durban Qalandars).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Lahore Qalandars is a professional cricket franchise competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The franchise sells official branded merchandise (playing kits and apparel), operates a Player Development Program (PDP) and High Performance Centres (QHPC) for talent identification and youth development, and participates in international franchise tournaments such as the ExxonMobil Global Super League.

Product overview

Lahore Qalandars is a professional cricket franchise competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), offering a portfolio of products and services centered on cricket entertainment and merchandise. The core offering includes official playing kits (home and away variants) available in customizable formats, sold through the franchise's online store. Supporting services include the Player Development Program (PDP) for talent identification and the Qalandars High Performance Centre (QHPC) providing professional cricket training. The franchise also operates community engagement initiatives like Friends of Qalandars university fan clubs, international player exchange programs with Zimbabwe Cricket, and participates in global franchise tournaments including the ExxonMobil Global Super League.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• QHPC (Qalandars High Performance Centre): Player Development Program and high-performance cricket training center
• Lake View LQ Smart High Performance Cricket Center
• Durban Qalandars

Products and services

• Lahore Qalandars Official Home Kit 2025 Official home cricket kit for Lahore Qalandars in green colorway with franchise branding, sold to fans and supporters through the official online store.
• Lahore Qalandars Official Green Customized Home Kit 2025 Customizable version of the official green home kit allowing fans to add personalized player names and numbers; priced at PKR 4,500 per shirt.
• Lahore Qalandars Official Red Customized Away Kit 2025 Official red away cricket kit for Lahore Qalandars, customizable with player name and number; priced at PKR 4,500 per shirt.
• Player Development Program (PDP) Grassroots talent identification and development program that conducts open trials across Pakistan to discover and nurture emerging cricket talent, providing access to professional coaching and high-performance training. PDP has produced international stars such as Haris Rauf.
• Qalandars High Performance Centre (QHPC) State-of-the-art cricket training facilities operated in partnership with universities and corporate partners across Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Wazirabad, providing structured coaching and professional development for emerging cricketers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Three PSL titles in four seasons (2022, 2023, 2025)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Muslim Hands PakistancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2026MoU signed to promote youth development and community empowerment through sports. The partnership operates the Muslim Hands Qalandars High Performance Centre in Wazirabad, providing structured training, mentorship, and professional development for emerging cricket talent. Inaugurated by Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana, the facility combines LQ's expertise in talent identification with Muslim Hands Pakistan's community welfare focus.
• Prime Minister's Youth Programme (PMYP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025PMYP partnered with Lahore Qalandars to launch the PMYP Talent Hunt National League 2025 following a nationwide talent identification phase. Lahore Qalandars handled talent identification, technical assessment, and high-performance guidance. The national tournament featured 20 teams (10 male, 10 female) from all provinces, played at the LQ HPC in Capital Smart City, Islamabad.
• Capital Smart City / Zahid Rafiq Group / HRL GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 November 2025Partnership to build the Lake View LQ Smart High Performance Cricket Centre in Capital Smart City, Islamabad. This is the franchise's third HPC in Pakistan, following successful setups in Lahore and Karachi. The initiative aims to nurture the next generation of cricketing talent through world-class facilities and sports science support.
• Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 August 2025A global partnership announced August 31, 2025, forming a joint global venture between WCCC and Lahore Qalandars for talent and performance development. Includes player and coach exchanges, joint academies and scouting networks, community projects, support for grassroot cricket, and commercial opportunities. Launching in Autumn 2025 with activities planned through 2026 and beyond. Brokered by the British Pakistan Initiative (BPI).
• Hub Rally CrossminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 August 2025Lahore Qalandars partnered with Hub Rally Cross to promote motorsports in Pakistan under the 'Friends of Qalandars' banner. Atif Rana visited the Hub Rally Cross facility in Karachi and signed an MoU with Shujat Sherwani (CEO, Toyota Highway Hub Motor) to promote Pakistan's motorsport drivers.
• U.S. Embassy in IslamabadminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 June 2025Lahore Qalandars owner Atif Rana visited the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad as part of a trophy tour following the PSL title win. Met with Chargé d'Affaires Natalie A. Baker, who had attended Qalandars matches including the final. Presented a signed jersey and discussed cricket's growing influence across cultures.
• Environment Protection Department, PunjabminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 April 2025Lahore Qalandars wore specially designed environmental sustainability armbands during their April 30 match at Gaddafi Stadium, with messages such as 'Air. Alive. Aware', 'End Pollution. Begin Solutions', 'Clean Bowling Pollution'. The match was officially themed around environmental sustainability with a special oath-taking ceremony led by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
• Wildlife Department PunjabminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 April 2025Lahore Qalandars partnered with the Wildlife Department Punjab to promote environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation. Collaboration includes raising awareness about nature conservation, protecting endangered species, and supporting conservation efforts across the province.
• Daily Deli Co.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 April 2025Daily Deli Co., one of Pakistan's leading fast-food chains, became an official sponsor for PSL 10, with its logo prominently displayed on both sides of the Qalandars' helmets throughout the tournament.
• University of Management & Technology (UMT) LahorecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2025Lahore Qalandars launched a large-scale tree plantation drive at UMT campus to promote environmental sustainability and climate awareness. The initiative aligns with the franchise's corporate social responsibility and commitment to a greener future.
• University of Management & Technology (UMT) LahorecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2025UMT Lahore is the launch partner for the 'Friends of Qalandars' university fan club initiative. The MOU signing ceremony was followed by a tree plantation event. UMT President Ibrahim Hasan Murad expressed enthusiasm for youth empowerment through sports. The university hosts the Qalandars-UOL High Performance Centre.
• Panthers Group of CompaniesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 March 2025Panthers Group of Companies joined as a Bronze Sponsor for PSL 10, announced at an exclusive event at PC Lahore attended by LQ management and Panthers Group leadership including brand ambassadors Hira Mani and Salman Saqib Sheikh.
• AirSialmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 March 2025AirSial, Pakistan's airline headquartered in Sialkot, has been the official airline partner of Lahore Qalandars since 2022, with the partnership extended for PSL 10. Branding is featured on the team's official playing jersey. The partnership provides travel support and brand association with Pakistan's most popular sports franchise.
• GripActivemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 February 2025GripActive announced as official kit partner for a 3-year deal starting with PSL 2025. Designs and manufactures official kits combining high-performance technology with innovative designs. Fabric is sustainable and eco-friendly. GripActive also serves as the exclusive international merchandiser for Lahore Qalandars apparel.
• Global Super League (GSL) - GuyanamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 October 2024Lahore Qalandars confirmed participation in the inaugural ExxonMobil Global Super League in Guyana (November-December 2024) alongside franchises from Australia, Bangladesh, England, and Pakistan. Returning for the 2026 edition (July 23 - August 1, 2026) at Guyana National Stadium.
• University of LahorecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 October 2024MoU signed to establish a state-of-the-art High Performance Centre. The collaboration includes designing a Diploma in Sports Sciences to benefit both students and players. The Qalandars-UOL HPC has conducted PDP trials attracting over 12,000 aspiring cricketers.
• NED University of Engineering and Technology, KarachiminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 September 2024NED University Karachi and Lahore Qalandars entered an MoU to establish a transformative collaboration aimed at advancing sports excellence and promoting talent development, marking the franchise's expansion of HPC partnerships to Karachi's university ecosystem.
• Jolywood Solar Technology CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 May 2024Jolywood Solar Technology Company, a leading solar company known for N-type bifacial industrialization technology, entered a dynamic partnership with Lahore Qalandars for PSL 9, combining sports branding with sustainability messaging.
• IFFI (Sports Fashion Partner)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 January 2024IFFI joined Lahore Qalandars as a Sports Fashion Partner for PSL Season 9, providing branded apparel and fashion merchandise.
• Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center (PKLI)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 November 2023Lahore Qalandars signed an MoU with PKLI to promote healthcare awareness and community welfare through the franchise's social outreach programmes.
• Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 September 2023Lahore Qalandars and Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced open trials to unearth undiscovered cricketing talent across the UK, creating a pathway for aspiring amateur players.
• Zimbabwe CricketcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 July 2023A 10-year player-exchange MoU effective since 2023 between Lahore Qalandars and Zimbabwe Cricket. Zimbabwean players (Clive Madande, Tashinga Musekiwa, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl) join the Qalandars PSL setup while Pakistani players gain experience through Zimbabwe's domestic circuit. This makes Lahore Qalandars the only PSL franchise with a long-term contract with a Test-playing nation. The partnership provides a vital pathway for developing emerging talent at both cricket boards.
• Durban Qalandars (Zim Afro T10)majorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 16 June 2023Lahore Qalandars acquired the Durban franchise in Zimbabwe's Zim Afro T10 League, naming it Durban Qalandars. The franchise participated in the inaugural Zim Afro T10 and won the title, marking an international expansion of the Qalandars brand into franchise cricket leagues outside Pakistan.
• Alkhidmat FoundationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023Lahore Qalandars announced a collaboration with Alkhidmat Foundation, one of Pakistan's leading non-profit organisations dedicated to providing humanitarian services, as part of the franchise's social responsibility initiatives.
• Pakistan Hockey Federation and Sports Board PunjabminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 February 2023Lahore Qalandars joined hands with Pakistan Hockey Federation and Sports Board Punjab to revive hockey in Pakistan, extending the franchise's sports development mandate beyond cricket.
• Bank of Punjab (BOP)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 February 2023Bank of Punjab renewed its partnership as official banking partner of Lahore Qalandars for HBL PSL Season 8, with branding and co-marketing activities.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Kandy Falcons (LPL) / Cape Town Blitz-style franchise operators: Other emerging T20 franchise-league operators (Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe) with structural parallels to Lahore Qalandars' sister-franchise and multi-league participation model (e.g., Durban Qalandars in Zim Afro T10). Comparable as franchise owners building brand across leagues.
• Barbados Royals (CPL): Caribbean Premier League franchise with parallel multi-league participation (also MLC, GSL intersection). Comparable as a growing T20 franchise brand navigating international expansion with sister-franchise structures.

Broad incumbents

• Chennai Super Kings (IPL): Established incumbent cricket franchise whose multi-league expansion (Caribbean Premier League via sister franchise), academy operations, and corporate sponsor stack are directly analogous to the trajectory Lahore Qalandars is now pursuing via Warwickshire CCC and Durban Qalandars.
• Mumbai Indians (IPL): Broader incumbent in cricket franchise sports ownership; the benchmark multi-league, multi-geography cricket brand with a parallel academy (Mumbai Indians Academy) and global merchandising strategy. Demonstrates the upscale trajectory available to LQ via its WCCC/GripActive moves.

Direct peers

• Islamabad United: Direct PSL rival; like Lahore Qalandars, it is a privately-owned PSL franchise competing for the same titles, sponsors, talent pool, and fan base. Operates its own player development initiatives and competes head-to-head on-field.
• Multan Sultans: Direct PSL franchise rival; competes in the same league for PSL titles, sponsorship dollars, and Pakistani talent. Operates parallel training infrastructure (High Performance Centre) and a comparable franchise business model.
• Peshawar Zalmi: Direct PSL franchise peer known for youth-focused Peshawar Zalmi Foundation and Player Development Programs that mirror Lahore Qalandars' PDP strategy. Competes for the same Pakistani talent pipeline and PSL sponsorship pool.
• Quetta Gladiators: Direct PSL franchise peer; LQ defeated Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 10 (2025) final. Operates as a PSL franchise with similar sponsorship, merchandise, and broadcasting-revenue economics.
• Karachi Kings: Direct PSL franchise rival with a parallel multi-revenue model (sponsorships, merchandise, training academies) and shares Lahore Qalandars' domestic cricket sponsorship and tournament economics. Operates in the same league under the same PCB/HBL framework.
• Colombo Kings / Strikers (Global Super League): Co-participant in the ExxonMobil Global Super League in Guyana alongside Lahore Qalandars; a directly comparable international T20 franchise operating across multiple cricket boards and competing for the same GSL commercial ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LHRQalandarsPSL
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCjcYAuQ9FISAHpl4N8NZ8Yg
• Facebookfacebook.com/LahoreQalandars
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lahoreqalandars
• Instagraminstagram.com/lahoreqalandars
• TikToktiktok.com/@qalandarsofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lahore Qalandars