Quetta truly Gladiators of Pakistan Super League

Staff Report

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL), initiated in 2016, stands as a vibrant testament to the cricketing prowess of the nation, showcasing a bouquet of six franchises that passionately compete for honour and glory on the T20 stage. These franchises symbolise the flourishing of cricket in Pakistan, acting as catalysts for unearthing talent and providing a pathway for players to ascend to the national team. Quetta Gladiators is a team that has consistently embodied the values of honour, dignity and commitment. Owned by the cricket-loving and successful businessman Nadeem Omar, the franchise faced the challenge of establishing an identity for Quetta, particularly in the province of Balochistan. Nadeem Omar’s commitment to the cause was evident from the outset. His strategic moves included bringing on-board the legendary Sir Viv Richards as the mentor, the dependable Moin Khan as the head coach, and the accomplished Sarfaraz Ahmed as the captain. These decisions paid off handsomely in the initial four years, culminating in the franchise’s maiden title in 2019.

As the franchise enters its ninth year, it has not only built a positive image of Quetta and Balochistan but has also made significant strides in tapping into local talent. Nadeem Omar acknowledges this, emphasising how Quetta Gladiators have eradicated negativity towards Balochistan and become an identity for the province. Initiatives such as the Inter-School tournament, Ramadan cricket, and even a successful women’s tournament have contributed to reshaping perceptions. “The biggest positivity about Quetta Gladiators is that we created the soft image of Quetta and Balochistan,” Nadeem sums up the achievements of his franchise. “The way the team played eradicated the negativity as we introduced Inter-School cricket in the province, held Ramadan cricket and energised players and fans in equal terms. The biggest thing was that we held a women’s tournament with success in an environment where women might not have gotten the same chance.

“There were apprehensions over conducting such an event in Balochistan but Quetta Gladiators became an identity of the province. The message to the world as a whole and to the people of Pakistan in particular is that Quetta is a place where people can come and stage events. The sweetest and the most unforgettable moment for me is the welcome the people of Balochistan accorded us when we took a trophy tour of the province in 2019.” Gladiators can proudly mention players like Bismillah Khan, Abdul Nasir, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Mohammad Asghar, Haseebullah and Jalat Khan who were picked in Quetta Gladiators. The extreme weather conditions in Quetta pose a challenge to hold trials, camps and matches, but Nadeem remains confident that the efforts from Quetta Gladiators will yield more fruitful results in the years to come.

The franchise is also credited for shaping the careers of players like Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Azam Khan and others. Rilee Rossouw became a brand at Gladiators while Nadeem Omar highlights the success stories, with Sarfaraz Ahmed becoming a captain, Mohammad Nawaz flourishing due to trust, and the introduction of players like Mir Hamza and Usman Khan. Despite facing challenges in the last four years, Nadeem is satisfied with the progress of Quetta Gladiators. The biggest reward, he says, is the love and affection from the people of Balochistan, who take pride in the team. As Quetta Gladiators continue to strive for success, they stand not only as a franchise but also as a beacon of light for local cricketers, promising further harnessing of talent in the cricketing landscape of Pakistan.