PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars launch Durban's team in South Africa's T20 Global League

The Pakistan Premier League’s franchise Lahore Qalandars’ owner has launched the Durban Qalandars in the South Africa’s T20 Global League team. During the ceremony, Lahore Qalandars’ owner Fawad Rana said that he was delighted to be representing the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa’s new T20 competition, the first edition is set to take place later this year.

Rana also said that there is better opportunity to come and invest in this great country (South Africa). Apart from the franchise owner, Cricket South Africa CEP Haroon Lorgat and Durban Qalandars’ marquee player and star batsman Hashim Amla was present at the launching ceremony. Lorgat said that it is a proud moment to have Qalandars represent in the tournament.

He said the “development of youth” lay at the centre of Rana brothers’ vision. “We are proud to have the Qalandars represent us.. We share their values & vision of transformation,” said Fawzia Peer, Durban Deputy Mayor.

PSL franchise and defending champions Peshawar Zalmi own the rights of ‘Benoni Zalmi’- another franchise of South Africa’s T20 league. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, owner of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, will be calling the shots for the Cape Town’s team while the owners of Delhi Daredevils own Johannesburg’s team.

Meanwhile, Brimstone, the investment company that earlier announced themselves as owners of the franchise – one of eight teams for the competition, have issued a statement confirming earlier reports that they had “quietly pulled out” of the deal.

Brimstone announced that they won’t be proceeding with the proposed acquisition of a T20 Global League franchise. “The consortium led by Brimstone was announced as the successful bidder of the Stellenbosch/Paarl franchise by Cricket South Africa. “Following the announcement in June this year, Brimstone continued its own internal process in regards to the proposed acquisition of the franchise. As a result of this process the company has decided not to proceed with this venture.” Mustaq Brey, their co-founder, and the chief told Sport24.