Dambulla Giants aiming to lead the way on and off the pitch

Following the success of the first edition of the Lanka Premier League, it was expected that LPL 2 would draw even more interest with the potential growth of the franchise cricket league, something many an investor would have been eyeing attentively.

So, for London-based Hamro CEO and avid cricket fan Q Khan, when the opportunity arose to purchase the Dambulla franchise and get in on virtually the ground floor of a growing competition with such endless possibilities, the decision was a no-brainer.

“I have always been a supporter of cricket, from grassroots teams in my local area to following the game on the international stage. As I stopped playing cricket, following my diagnosis with Dystonia in 2013, I wanted to continue supporting the game and still be involved in the sport, day-to-day,” explained Q. “An opportunity arose for me to purchase the Dambulla franchise and support the T20 league in Sri Lanka, a country I fell in love with during my first visit in 2010.”

In the newly monikered Dambulla Giants, Q hopes to have bought himself a franchise as well as an opportunity to give back to a sport he holds close to his heart, while also helping to improve the sport at the grassroots level in Sri Lanka.

“Through the Dambulla Giants, I am sure we will be able to build the global profile and showcase the incredible talent that Sri Lankan Cricket can offer.

“I’ve always listed cricket as my main passion in life. It is a sport that has given me so much, helping me integrate into a new country and giving me the drive and skills to go on and succeed. The joy it brings other people is seen at every cricket match around the world and this is what I want to spread.”

In the UK, Q has a charitable foundation, the Hamro Foundation, that aims to give young people the chance to play cricket and develop teamwork, discipline, and respect from the game. This ideology, he says, is something he is interested in bringing over to Sri Lanka, so as to help children in underprivileged areas learn life skills through cricket.

“I hope the Dambulla Giants will provide inspiration to young Sri Lankans and we will work to bring cricket in Sri Lanka to everyone.”

Led by Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan national T20 captain, the Dambulla Giants have an exciting squad mixed with experience and young talent. Q hopes to see the franchise grow along with league itself, and with take Sri Lankan cricket to a global audience.

“I am excited to see how the LPL grows going forward and what the future will hold for Sri Lankan cricket. The quality of cricket displayed by Sri Lanka at the T20 World Cup, has already demonstrated the potential this country has to offer. Over my time with the Dambulla Giants I want to build an exciting franchise and promote the LPL to a global audience. Providing an opportunity for anyone with the skills and ability to play cricket at the highest level.”

That said, Q also wants the Giants to embody the right characteristics both on and off the field, so that they can be true role models to the next generation.

“I believe that life is about being real, being humble, being strong and being able to share our passions whilst also touching the lives of others. I see a similar philosophy in the team. They are a humble and down to earth team with the strength and unity to provide a solid foundation for the franchise to build on. We are all here because we share a passion for cricket and the Dambulla Giants is a place where people can explore their passion whilst being a part of something exciting.”