Lahore Qalandars could expand their involvement in franchise cricket beyond the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with Co-owner and Chief Operating Officer Sameen Rana expressing interest in joining the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as the tournament undergoes a major restructuring.
The possibility comes as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seeks to address financial irregularities and reassess its franchise arrangements, having postponed the upcoming BPL season. BCB President Tamim Iqbal has indicated that foreign franchise operators could be considered if they meet the board’s requirements.
Rana has not announced any agreement to acquire or operate a BPL franchise, but his interest opens the possibility of greater cooperation between Lahore Qalandars and Bangladesh cricket.
Lahore Qalandars explore opportunities in Bangladesh cricket
According to Cricbuzz, Rana spent time with Tamim at the Sheikh Abu Jayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi during Bangladesh’s match against Zimbabwe, where the two discussed their experiences in franchise cricket.
Rana’s interest extends beyond a potential investment in a BPL team, with the Lahore Qalandars executive also considering other forms of involvement in Bangladesh’s cricket ecosystem.
Addressing the possibility of entering the tournament, Rana told reporters: “And if an opportunity arises where we can create a win-win situation, I would absolutely love to be part of the BPL.”
The Qalandars already have connections with Bangladesh cricket through players who have represented the PSL franchise, including Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain.
BPL restructuring creates opening for foreign franchises
The BCB is seeking a more sustainable structure and suitable franchise partners, creating a potential opening for established operators from other T20 leagues.
Rana acknowledged the challenges facing the competition while pointing to the strong cricket following in both countries.
“The BPL is a wonderful tournament. I know it’s been struggling for some time, and I know there are reasons behind that. But I think, with the kind of passion we have for cricket in Bangladesh and Pakistan, the league really shouldn’t be struggling,” Rana said.
Although the possibility of Lahore Qalandars becoming involved has attracted attention, the nature of any future arrangement remains undecided.
Rana added: “There has been no final decision about joining the BPL, but we are looking into whether there is an opportunity. If we get the chance to be part of the BPL, I will be the first to go. It is my dream to become part of Bangladesh cricket. We don’t necessarily have to own a team. Even an exchange programme would be great.”
Rana brings international franchise experience to discussions
Lahore Qalandars have spent more than a decade operating in the PSL, developing experience in franchise management and player development.
Rana has also been involved in other cricket ventures, including South Africa’s Global League, T10 competitions and engagement with Cricket Canada.
Reflecting on his conversations with the BCB President, Rana said: “Some of the discussions I had with Tamim bhai were about sharing experiences. Obviously, I’ve been part of the PSL for 11 years. I’ve also been involved with the Global League in South Africa. We were part of that group. I’ve been involved in T10 cricket multiple times, and I’ve been interacting with Cricket Canada for quite some time. So, over the years, we’ve built a lot of knowledge, experience, and understanding. We were sharing some thoughts about how things could be improved.”
His discussions with Tamim come at a time when the BCB is considering changes to how its domestic T20 competition is organised and operated.
Player exchange programme offers another route for cooperation
Even without a BPL franchise agreement, Lahore Qalandars could pursue a development partnership with the BCB that would give Bangladeshi cricketers access to training opportunities in Pakistan.
The Qalandars have previously undertaken similar initiatives with international partners. Rana cited a recent agreement with Guyana’s Ministry of Youth and Culture to facilitate player development, as well as a programme under which eight Zimbabwean cricketers spent six weeks training at a high-performance facility in Islamabad.
He has expressed an interest in extending comparable opportunities to Bangladeshi players, allowing cricketers and coaching environments in both countries to benefit from closer cooperation.
Rana said: “Inshallah, I would love to come to Bangladesh. Hopefully, we’ll find an opportunity through the BPL. And if not, I would love to establish an exchange programme with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.”
For now, Lahore Qalandars’ involvement remains exploratory, with any future arrangement dependent on the opportunities that emerge from the BCB’s plans.
