The Toronto Nationals have announced a partnership with Pakistan Super League (PSL) squad Lahore Qalandars, with the third edition of the Global T20 Canada scheduled to begin on July 20. The two-time PSL champions will outsource their coaching staff, including director of cricket and head coach Aqib Javed, to manage their team in the competition.
Shahid Afridi, Zaman Khan, Saim Ayyub, and Abdullah Shafique were among the Pakistani players selected by the Toronto Nationals in the most recent draft; they may play for the team when the tournament begins.
Speaking about the partnership, Manzoor Chaudhry, the owner of the Nationals, disclosed how enthusiastic the entire franchise is about their association with the Qalandars. As two-time champions, he also believed that the coaching staff of the Qalandars would provide valuable insight to the Toronto-based franchise.
“We are thrilled to be associated with Lahore Qalandars; cricket, a global sport, is proliferating and bringing together cricketing communities. Having won the PSL title twice and made significant contributions to Pakistan through their player development programme, their assistance will be invaluable. Therefore, it is an exceptional opportunity for us to convince them to manage our team in Canada. ESPN cricnifo cited Chaudhry as saying, “We are looking forward to negotiating a long-term contract in the future.”
In addition to Aqib, bowling coach Waqas Ahmed, fielding coach Shahzad Butt, and performance analyst Nabeel Edger Pace will be engaged with the Nationals prior to the competition.
We are excited to participate in the Global T20 in Canada. Sameen Rana
Additionally, Sameen Rana, the proprietor of Lahore Qalandars, commented on the franchise’s partnership with Nationals.
The improved coaching staff could conceivably do wonders for the team when Global T20 begins, given its recent struggles.
“We are ecstatic to be a part of the GT20 here in Canada and to aid Toronto Nationals in setting up their roster and coaching staff for the upcoming season. We are responsible for assisting the franchise in achieving their league-wide winning goals. The contract is the first of its kind and is initially for one season; we will see how it proceeds, said Sameen Rana.