Lahore Qalandars launch ‘friends of Qalandars’

AHORE: Lahore Qalandars, the back-to-back champions of PSL 7 and 8, have unveiled a pioneering initiative, Friends of Qalandars, aimed at deepening fan engagement and empowering youth through university-based fan clubs. Known for their immense popularity among young cricket enthusiasts, the Qalandars continue to lead innovative efforts to connect with their supporters.

The initiative was officially launched at the University of Management & Technology (UMT) Lahore and is set to expand to other universities across the region. Friends of Qalandars will serve as a dynamic platform, providing young sports fans opportunities to engage in exclusive activities, foster leadership skills, and create a vibrant fan community.

Under this initiative, students will enjoy unique experiences, including match screenings, Q&A sessions with Lahore Qalandars players, intra-university tournaments, community outreach projects, and valuable networking opportunities. Each university fan club will be managed by a student-led executive committee, ensuring an immersive and enriching experience for all members.

Atif Rana, CEO of Lahore Qalandars, emphasized the franchise’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders: “Lahore Qalandars has always been about more than just cricket; we believe in nurturing young talent and inspiring future leaders. With Friends of Qalandars, we aim to create a passionate student community that not only supports the team but also grows personally and professionally through this platform,” he stated.

UMT President Ibrahim Hasan Murad also expressed excitement for this collaboration, saying: “We are delighted to be the first university to launch Friends of Qalandars. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of empowering youth through sports, leadership, and community engagement. Partnering with Lahore Qalandars will provide our students with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with the cricketing world.”

The program will progress in multiple phases, beginning with university onboarding and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony. Subsequent phases will include player meet-and-greet events, friendly competitions, and skill-building workshops, ensuring sustained engagement with students.

Students interested in joining Friends of Qalandars can register through their respective university chapters to take part in this exciting initiative, fostering a deeper connection with the Lahore Qalandars and fellow cricket enthusiasts.