Lahore Qalandars, the champions of the Pakistan Super League, have expanded their presence by acquiring the Durban franchise in the upcoming Zim Afro T10 tournament. The team will be known as the Durban Qalandars.
The ownership of the franchise lies with Pakistani businessmen Atif Naeem Rana and Sameen Naeem Rana. Having clinched two PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, Lahore Qalandars aim to replicate their success with the Durban team in the Zim Afro T10.
The Zim Afro T10 tournament marks the introduction of franchise cricket in Zimbabwe. The competition will feature five privately owned teams vying for the top prize.
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Apart from the Durban Qalandars, the other teams participating in the tournament are the Harare Hurricanes, CapeTown Samp Army, Bulawayo Braves, and the Joburg Lions.
All matches of the Zim Afro T10 will take place in Harare, with the tournament commencing on July 20, 2023 and culminating in the grand final on July 29, 2023.
The players’ draft for the tournament is scheduled to take place on July 02, 2023, in Harare. Givemore Makoni, Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, expressed his delight in welcoming the Qalandars to the Zim Afro T10 and hoped that their brand of entertaining cricket would captivate the local fans. He also praised the Qalandars’ track record of attracting top players and anticipated their continued success.
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Sameen Naeem Rana, Owner & CEO of Durban Qalandars, emphasized the team’s desire to expand their influence after back-to-back PSL victories and considered Zimbabwe as a great opportunity to make their mark.
He expressed excitement about the fast-paced format of the Zim Afro T10 and looked forward to engaging with the local fans and building a strong fanbase.
Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk, Founder and Chairman of T Ten Global Sports expressed his delight in having the PSL champions, Durban Qalandars, participate in the Zim Afro T10.
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He expected tough competition and entertaining cricket from the team, highlighting the fans’ anticipation for the start of the cricket festival.
Overall, Lahore Qalandars’ acquisition of the Durban franchise in the Zim Afro T10 has generated excitement among fans and stakeholders, as they aim to extend their successful run and leave a lasting impact on the tournament.
