The Lahore Qalandars have announced a two day press club tournament bringing together members of the Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi Press Clubs in an effort to promote healthy sporting activity among journalists. The initiative positions the press club tournament as a chance for media professionals to both compete and be celebrated for their contributions to sports coverage.
Atif Naeem Rana, Chief Executive Officer of Lahore Qalandars, made the announcement at the Lahore Press Club alongside President Arshad Ansari. Rana emphasized that the franchise seeks to go beyond traditional cricket responsibilities by creating opportunities that spread joy and encourage physical activity across different sectors of society.
Rana said journalists often cover others on the field but this time the franchise wants journalists themselves to be in the spotlight. He added that the exact format of the matches, whether tape ball or hard ball, and the tournament schedule, including the possibility of staging games during Ramadan, will be finalised by the respective press clubs.
On questions about the franchise’s relationship with the hockey federation, Rana clarified that administrative developments currently prevent them from fielding players, but stressed that commitment to Pakistan’s national sport remains. He described the pause as temporary and indicated the franchise will return to supporting hockey when circumstances allow.
When asked about the recent dip in form of fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, Rana underlined the Lahore Qalandars’ emphasis on a supportive environment, proper facilities and confidence building. He said continued backing and focus are essential for players to regain their best form.
Press Club President Arshad Ansari praised Rana for the franchise’s Players Development Program and its outreach to remote areas to identify emerging talent. Ansari welcomed the press club tournament as a constructive activity for the media community and said the Lahore Qalandars have assured full support to the Lahore Press Club and the wider journalist fraternity.
