In the evolving landscape of Pakistan’s sports economy, Saqib ur Rehman stands as the trailblazer who transformed cricket from a national passion into a structured industry of innovation and opportunity. As the visionary mind behind the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), he pioneered a new model of sports entrepreneurship that fused entertainment, regional identity, and commercial strategy. This combination reshaped how leagues are built and branded in Pakistan. Through his leadership, the KPL became more than a cricket tournament; it emerged as a symbol of unity, economic potential, and international recognition, opening new doors for sports management, sponsorship, and youth empowerment across the country.
The global sports industry is a powerful engine of culture and the economy, exemplified by multi-billion-dollar professional leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and IPL. In South Asia, the $10 billion Indian Premier League (IPL) showcases cricket’s immense commercial potential when structured as a franchise system. In Pakistan, where cricket engages over 80 million fans, the concept of a professionally managed sports league was emerging. Saqib ur Rehman became a pivotal figure in this environment, introducing modern models of sports entrepreneurship, commercialisation, and cultural branding that redefined how cricket is experienced. As a founding executive and architect of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), he led the transformation of regional cricket into a national commercial platform, generating significant revenue and achieving international recognition.
Research&Innovation
Saqib ur Rehman is a recognized thought leader and innovator whose impact extends beyond league administration. His published works and strategic approaches have introduced proprietary frameworks actively shaping sports management across South Asia. His first book, World Entrepreneurs: Branding Playbooks for Sports and Startups, presents a unique methodology for emerging ventures to integrate sponsorship, audience engagement, and brand identity; it’s a key reference for sports marketers and business schools. His second book, Beyond Boundaries: The Revival of Cricket in Pakistan, offers the first comprehensive analysis of Pakistan’s sports revival through private entrepreneurship, using the KPL as a case study. The work frames sports as a driver of economic regeneration, cultural diplomacy, and youth empowerment. Both titles have been widely cited in industry and academic forums, underscoring Saqib’s role in bridging business innovation with profound social impact. His original branding concepts successfully merged the KPL’s commercial success with its strong regional identity, generating millions in revenue and critical international visibility.
Awards&Alliances
Saqib ur Rehman’s expertise is recognized through numerous awards and strategic alliances, highlighting his commitment to wider social impact. He was honored with the South Asian Business Excellence Award (SAPSSA 2023), a regional distinction celebrating leaders whose innovations demonstrate measurable, cross-border impact. Beyond the KPL, he actively contributes to initiatives fostering youth empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship, serving as a panel judge for the Hult Prize at Bahria University and speaking at the SAAM Foundation’s Youth Participation Forum. Crucially, his commitment to humanitarian development is evident in his role as a Member of the Business Development Department for Muslim Hands International’s Maidaan Project. This flagship program empowers street-connected children in Pakistan through football, highlighting his belief in sports as a tool for inclusion and opportunity. His international engagements in London, UK, and Birmingham, UK, further demonstrate his global reach, where he promotes Kashmiri youth and the KPL on the world stage.
Mentorship, Social Responsibility, and the Catalyst for Change
A strong emphasis on mentorship and capacity building defines Saqib ur Rehman’s leadership. Within the KPL ecosystem, he has created successful pathways for young professionals to advance into senior sports management roles, ensuring the league’s impact endures beyond cricket. This philosophy is central to his role as Chairman of HERO (Human Empowerment & Resource Organisation (www.hero.org.pk), where his strategic vision has transformed the organisation into a nationally recognised model for community development by expanding youth empowerment and humanitarian programs. Through his work, Saqib demonstrates how entrepreneurship transcends the game itself, merging innovation with social responsibility to build commercially viable leagues and platforms for cultural diplomacy. His unique commitment is focused on extending opportunities into Pakistan’s remote and underserved regions, channelling investment into a neglected sector to create pathways for inclusion, education, and empowerment, ultimately proving that sports can be a powerful catalyst for social change.
Leadership, Critical Role, and Future Vision
As the founding force and strategic architect of the KPL, Saqib ur Rehman’s leadership has been instrumental in defining the league’s commercial structure, governance, and global partnerships. His ability to merge cultural heritage with modern business models has made the KPL a case study in sustainable sports innovation. Looking ahead, Saqib envisions expanding his framework beyond cricket — developing Pakistan’s first integrated sports entrepreneurship hub, connecting investors, athletes, and creative professionals under one platform. His future plans include launching international collaborations, digital fan engagement systems, and regional development programs that leverage sports as a catalyst for education, employment, and national branding. Through this next chapter, Saqib continues to lead from the front — shaping not just leagues, but a legacy of innovation-driven nation building through sports.
