Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has praised the Lahore Qalandars cricket franchise for its significant contributions in engaging Pakistan’s youth and women in sports, highlighting the importance of such initiatives for the country’s development.
At a meeting with Atif Rana, CEO and owner of Lahore Qalandars, Ayaz Sadiq commended the team’s dedication to promoting healthy and constructive activities among young people. He emphasized that creating opportunities for youth and women in sports is essential for building a promising and dynamic future for Pakistan. The Speaker noted there is no shortage of talent in the country and expressed particular appreciation for Lahore Qalandars’ commitment to grassroots development and equal opportunities for women.
Atif Rana detailed the franchise’s Player Development Program, which has trained over 100,000 young individuals from across Pakistan. He highlighted that special attention is given to youth in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with regular training camps and competitions aimed at integrating these regions into mainstream sports.
The CEO also discussed Lahore Qalandars’ focused efforts to include women in cricket, citing talent hunt programs conducted in more than 25 cities. These initiatives have enabled aspiring female athletes to pursue professional cricket and have opened new avenues for women’s participation in sports.
Atif Rana reaffirmed the Lahore Qalandars’ mission to empower ordinary Pakistanis by providing avenues for achievement in sports and entertainment. He expressed gratitude for the Speaker’s support, saying it inspires not only franchise management but also the thousands of young athletes associated with the Qalandars’ programs. Rana concluded by reiterating the team’s vision of building a healthier, more prosperous Pakistan by enabling youth and women from all backgrounds to excel through sports.
