(Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Learn to take a joke; you’ll live longer.)
KARACHI – Lahore Qalandars owner Rana Fawad sought forgiveness from the people of Lahore after the franchise once again failed to go through in the playoff stage of the Pakistan Super League, but said that the fourth successive bottom finish was a ‘small price’.
“I am really sad after this recent loss. But what I can also tell you is that finishing sixth, and at the bottom for the fourth straight year, is a small price to pay for keeping Salman Butt out of the national side,” said Rana in a brief chat with The Dependent.
The Qalandars owner said he has made dua at the Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar to seek forgiveness for his sins, which includes drafting Salman Butt into the Qalandars’ side.
“I thought realised my mistake too late. Salman Butt not only got into the squad, but into the playing 11 as well. Had he scored any runs, there would’ve been pressure to include him in the national side – and I would’ve been directly responsible for that,” Rana said.
The Qalandars’ owners confessed that even though his side could only win three matches on the ground, preventing Salman Butt from returning to the national team was a major win for him.
“Here’s hoping others affiliated with Lahore Qalandars can find similar redemption,” he concluded.
