Was Fawad Rana’s Presence in PSL a Marketing Stunt From Lahore Qalandars?

Fawad Rana, the oftentimes overzealous and energetic owner of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars, has long been a fan favorite for his emotional displays and chants of “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar.”

However, questions have arisen about whether his larger-than-life presence was a calculated marketing ploy. Sameen Rana, co-owner and COO, recently confirmed in an interview that Fawad’s role was “by design,” drawing inspiration from the Indian Premier League’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). “We needed someone to be the face of the franchise, and we preferred an unknown man so that the common man could connect,” Sameen stated, adding that it “worked for our marketing.”

Since acquiring the Lahore franchise for US$25.1 million in 2015 through Qatar Lubricants Company (QALCO), the Rana brothers—Fawad, Atif, and Sameen—have prioritized brand-building. Fawad’s relatable, passionate persona contrasted with celebrity owners in other leagues.

His visibility, from singing the team’s anthem to emotional post-match reactions, turned him into a household name, boosting Qalandars’ popularity despite early losses. Social media amplified this, with fans celebrating his enthusiasm even during defeats.

Critics argue this was a deliberate stunt to mask the team’s initial poor performance, finishing last in the first four PSL seasons. However, the strategy paid off, with Lahore Qalandars winning titles in 2022 and 2023. While Fawad’s absence from recent seasons sparked speculation, Sameen clarified it was to spotlight players like Shaheen Afridi.

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