Has the Ownership of Lahore Franchise in the Pakistan Super League Changed Due to Corruption Allegations?
Synopsis
A recent arbitration ruling has restored ownership of the Lahore Qalandars to Fawad Rana after his brothers were found guilty of illegal share transfers. This marks a pivotal moment in PSL history, highlighting the complexities of franchise ownership and family disputes.
Key Takeaways
Ownership of Lahore Qalandars returned to original founder .
Illegal share transfers led to arbitration ruling .
Tribunal mandated compensation or restoration of shares .
Lahore Qalandars have claimed victory three times in PSL .
Fawad Rana's absence raised concerns about franchise management .
Mumbai, Jan 23 (NationPress) In an unexpected development, the ownership of the leading and most successful franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has reverted to its original founder, following revelations that his two brothers illicitly acquired shares from him, according to a news report released on Friday.
The Lahore Qalandars have claimed the championship title three times since the PSL's inception in 2016, additionally finishing as runners-up once. The franchise faced significant controversy stemming from a feud among the brothers regarding the ownership of this esteemed franchise.
“The initial owner, Fawad Rana, was the one who established the franchise and propelled it to fame with his charismatic personality, characterized by his jubilant dance moves in victories and emotional displays in defeats. However, Fawad was unjustly displaced by his younger siblings, Sameen and Atif, through unauthorized share transfers,” sources informed Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
The report states that an arbitration tribunal led by retired Justice Maqbool Baqer ruled against the current management of Kausar Rana Resources (Pvt) Limited (KRR), the parent organization of the Lahore Qalandars.
The tribunal determined that the transfer of majority shares from Qatar Lubricants Company (Qalco) to brothers Atif and Sameen was invalid and lacked appropriate authorization. The tribunal instructed the respondents to either compensate Qalco with Rs 2.96 billion plus interest or promptly restore Qalco's 51% majority ownership.
According to the report, the tribunal mandated that within 45 days, the younger Rana brothers must either repay Qalco Rs 2.296 billion with interest dating back to June 2020 or return the 51% shareholding.
Fawad was unexpectedly sidelined after the third season in 2018 and was notably absent from the team’s dugouts.
This decision is perceived as a significant setback for the Lahore franchise, which initially placed last in the first three seasons. They subsequently triumphed with three titles over four years, including consecutive victories in 2022 and 2023, regaining the championship last season.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the impact of this ruling on the Lahore Qalandars and the integrity of the PSL. While ownership disputes can shake the foundation of any team, it’s essential to uphold the rightful claims and ensure fairness in franchise management. The ruling is a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in sports.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the change in ownership of the Lahore Qalandars?
The ownership change was triggered by an arbitration ruling that found Fawad Rana's brothers had illegally taken shares from him.
Who is the original owner of the Lahore Qalandars?
The original owner of the Lahore Qalandars is Fawad Rana.
What was the tribunal's decision regarding the share transfers?
The tribunal ruled that the share transfers to Atif and Sameen Rana were invalid and ordered them to either repay Qalco or restore their majority shareholding.
How many titles have the Lahore Qalandars won?
The Lahore Qalandars have won the PSL title three times.
What happened to Fawad Rana after the third PSL season?
Fawad Rana was sidelined after the third season in 2018 and was not seen in the team's dugouts.
