The much-anticipated Zim Afro T10 tournament is nearing its commencement, and the first team for the event has been unveiled. Lahore Qalandars, the reigning Pakistan Super League champions, have acquired the Durban franchise in the Zim Afro T10, and it will be known as the Durban Qalandars.
Owned by Pakistani businessmen Atif Naeem Rana and Sameen Naeem Rana, the Lahore Qalandars have tasted victory in the Pakistan Super League, clinching the title in 2022 and 2023. The Durban Qalandars franchise aims to replicate their success as they step into the Zim Afro T10 tournament.
The Zim Afro T10 marks the introduction of franchise cricket in Zimbabwe, featuring five privately-owned teams competing for the ultimate prize. The other four teams participating in the tournament are the Harare Hurricanes, CapeTown Samp Army, Bulawayo Braves, and the Joburg Lions.
Set to kick off on July 20, the Zim Afro T10, in association with T Ten Global Sports, will see all matches taking place in Harare, with the grand final scheduled for July 29. The players’ draft, where teams will select their squad members, will be held on July 2 during a grand ceremony in Harare.
Expressing his delight, Givemore Makoni, Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, stated, “We are elated to welcome the Qalandars to the Zim Afro T10 and Zimbabwe Cricket family. They have been very successful in Pakistan, and we hope that they can bring their entertaining brand of cricket for the local fans here as well. They come with a tradition of attracting the best players, and we hope to see more of that.”
Owner and CEO of Durban Qalandars, Sameen Naeem Rana, shared his excitement, saying, “After winning two consecutive seasons in the PSL, we want to expand our footprint, and Zimbabwe is a great opportunity for us to make a mark. The Zim Afro T10 is surely going to be a very exciting tournament – it is the fastest format in the game after all, and we cannot wait to connect with the fans there and create a strong fanbase for ourselves.”
Founder and Chairman of T Ten Global Sports, Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk, expressed his enthusiasm for the participation of the Pakistan Super League champions, stating, “It is great to have the champions from the Pakistan Super League join us in the Zim Afro T10 as the Durban Qalandars. They have had a long-lasting effect in the PSL, and we hope to see them play a similar kind of role in the Zim Afro T10. I expect stiff competition and some entertaining cricket from the Durban Qalandars from the very first ball. The fans are eagerly awaiting this festival of cricket to begin.”
Cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the start of the Zim Afro T10 tournament, as the Lahore Qalandars expand their reach to Zimbabwe, promising thrilling cricket and memorable performances.
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