Lahore Qalandars Are Learning From Past Mistakes: Sameen Rana

Despite underperforming in all three Pakistan Super League (PSL) editions, Lahore Qalandars remains one of the fan-favorite team for the upcoming edition of PSL.

With the recruitment of AB de Villiers and Mohammad Hafeez, the Qalandars once again, have their eyes on the prize.

The management claims that the past three seasons have taught the franchise valuable lessons, lessons which they can use to improve and avoid repeating their mistakes.

Sameen Rana, talking to local media outlet said:

Results at the end shows that we were on the bottom at tables, but in my personal opinion, it is not the true reflection of Qalandars’ journey. We played several close matches that we could have won. We learned a lot with our experience on the field, we played exciting matches.

He also explained how the entire franchise had been hurt after losing several close matches which ultimately proved vital. However, despite that, the management did not lose confidence and the motivation to improve.

He cited the example from 2018, where the Qalandars lost the opening six matches but kept fighting till the end.

We believe in a win via proper process, we don’t want to win via fluke. We wanted to work at grass root and build a proper team. We have now got a team with which we are truly comfortable and hoping that things will now turn around for us on points table as well.

Expectations From Next Edition of PSL

Speaking about improving in the fourth edition of PSL, Sameen claimed that the team has ‘a realistic shot’ at the PSL title despite competition from other franchises. He said:

Qalandars chances can be improved only due to team combination and their performance. This time we have a very balanced squad, Mohammad Hafeez has very good knowledge of local cricketers.

Along with that, this year is also going to be a test for players who we have developed; the local boys who have a journey with LQ will be the nucleus of our team. Obviously, AB and Hafeez will be important and running the thing, but defining role will be of our young local players.

There is no denying that Lahore Qalandars are a force to be reckoned with, especially after a good draft phase where they managed to secure the services of superb talent.

You can also follow ProPakistani’s PSL 2019 coverage from here.