An arbitration court has ruled that Atif and Sameen Rana, the current owners of the Lahore Qalandars, must either return management control of the franchise to Qatar Lubricants Company (QALCO), which is owned by their elder brother, Fawad Rana, or pay Rs 2.3 billion in place of his shares.
WEBDESK – Courtesy: Profit – January 22, 2026
In a stunning turn of events within Pakistan’s most high-profile cricket franchise, Sameen and Atif Rana have effectively wrested operational control of the Lahore Qalandars from their elder brother Fawad Rana, insiders say, sparking intense debate among fans, stakeholders, and cricketing circles.
The Rana family has been synonymous with the Lahore Qalandars since the Pakistan Super League’s inception, with the flamboyant Fawad Rana serving as the public face of the franchise. Known for his passionate celebrations, social media presence, and emotional connection with fans, Fawad was long considered the heart of the club.
But behind the scenes, a shift has been underway.
A Quiet Shift Behind the Glamour
Sources close to the franchise reveal that over the past two seasons, Sameen and Atif — both younger siblings — began taking on more critical operational responsibilities. While Fawad remained the ceremonial leader and media ambassador, the younger Ranas increasingly shaped key strategic decisions, including:
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Player scouting and recruitment
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Brand partnerships and commercial strategy
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Match-day logistics and coaching appointments
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Digital and fan engagement strategy
“As the team grew, they felt the need for a more data-driven and long-term approach,” said a senior league official. “Sameen and Atif brought in fresh systems and analytics, and gradually the reins shifted.”
Decision-Making and a Backseat for Fawad
According to multiple insiders, the turning point came during last year’s PSL auction strategy meeting. While Fawad pushed for marquee signings based on star power and crowd appeal, Sameen and Atif advocated a balanced squad built around pace, analytics and performance metrics.
The board ultimately supported the younger brothers’ approach — and the results followed. The Qalandars’ performance improved, earning them strategic wins and a renewed fan base that extended beyond Lahore.
Over time, Fawad’s role became more symbolic. Club communications began featuring him less in strategic announcements, while Atif and Sameen led discussions on coaching hires and player retention. Observers say the transition was subtle but unmistakable.
‘Respect, Not Rejection’ — The Family Line
Despite the shift, sources inside the Rana family insist there is no personal conflict.
“Fawad is respected and loved by everyone in the organization,” a close associate said. “This was not about sidelining him; it was about bringing in professional structures that the younger brothers were pushing for.”
In his recent social media post, Fawad wrote: “The Qalandars are family, and wherever I am in this journey, I support the team with all my heart.” The message was widely interpreted as an olive branch — but also a quiet acceptance of the new order.
Cricketing Strategy or Family Politics?
Critics argue that the transition reflects deeper internal politics. Some analysts believe that the younger brothers were seen by sponsors and partners as more commercially forward-thinking, especially in digital monetization and international outreach. Fawad, beloved for his charisma, was never seen as the front-line architect of the Qalandars’ long-term business strategy.
“Sometimes in family businesses,” says a sports business expert, “the public face is replaced quietly by those who handle the boardroom. It’s not unusual — but it is fascinating in the context of cricket.”
The Road Ahead
Under the leadership of Sameen and Atif, the Qalandars have adopted a leaner performance model, blending local talent with targeted international players, backed by analytics, fitness data, and global scouting networks.
Fans remain passionate and divided. Social media is full of hashtags like #TeamFawad and #QalandarsFuture, reflecting a complex blend of loyalty, nostalgia, and optimism.
Whatever the internal dynamics, one thing is clear: the Lahore Qalandars’ evolution — both on and off the field — is now firmly directed by a new Rana generation — and Pakistan’s cricket landscape is watching closely.
