Saqib ur Rehman, an award-winning entrepreneur in the field of sports branding, has redefined how sports leagues are branded and marketed in South Asia. Drawing inspiration from global models like the NBA and IPL, he introduced original concepts that merged entertainment, sponsorship innovation, and cultural branding into the Kashmir Premier League (KPL). Unlike traditional cricket tournaments, his strategies positioned the KPL as both a commercial success and a vehicle for regional identity, generating millions in revenue and international visibility. This pioneering approach marks him as a leading sports marketing entrepreneur whose work bridges business growth with social impact.
The Birth of the Kashmir Premier League
Launched in a region where cricket carries both cultural weight and international visibility, the KPL was envisioned as more than just a tournament. Saqib, one of its founding executives, applied his background in marketing and entrepreneurial leadership to shape the league into a sustainable business model that combined sports, entertainment, and tourism.
As Chief Marketing Officer during the first two seasons (2021–2022), he drove branding, outreach, and sponsorship strategies that generated over $2 million in revenue and attracted widespread media coverage. In 2023, he was promoted to Vice President, where under his leadership the league expanded its reach to audiences in more than fifty countries and achieved revenues of $3.5 million per season. These results earned the KPL recognition across South Asia as a professionally managed and commercially viable platform, comparable to larger regional leagues.
Saqib’s entrepreneurial vision also positioned the league as a tool of cultural diplomacy, showcasing Kashmir positively on the global stage while creating pathways for youth to access international opportunities. His original branding concepts and ability to merge commercial and social impact demonstrate the hallmarks of extraordinary ability in sports marketing.
Memberships, Awards, and Professional Engagement
Beyond his direct work with the KPL, Saqib has actively contributed to initiatives that foster youth empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship. He was selected as a panel judge for the Hult Prize at Bahria University, mentoring student startups and helping refine their business strategies. He also spoke at a SAAM Foundation event on youth participation, where he highlighted strategies for leadership and empowerment.
In recognition of his broader influence, he was appointed as a Member of the Business Development Department for Muslim Hands International’s Maidaan Project, a flagship initiative that empowers Pakistan’s street-connected children through football and has represented the country in international tournaments. His contributions in fundraising, public relations, and strategic development for Maidaan reflect his commitment to using sports as a tool for identity, education, and opportunity.
Saqib was also honored with the South Asian Business Excellence Award (SAPSSA 2023), a regional accolade recognizing leaders who demonstrate innovation and cross-border impact. Together, these roles and distinctions underline his standing as a trusted authority whose expertise extends beyond cricket into global sports development and entrepreneurship.
Saqib’s Work Is Building Future Leaders
A defining aspect of Saqib’s leadership is his focus on mentorship. He has consistently invested in the professional growth of young people within the KPL ecosystem, providing opportunities for them to learn, take ownership, and advance in their careers. Many of those who worked with him in the league have moved on to senior roles in sports management and media. His emphasis on empowering teams has ensured that the KPL contributes not only to cricket but also to the development of a skilled workforce in the sports industry.
Entrepreneurship and Sports Innovation
Saqib is also an established author whose works capture his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the sports business. His book World Entrepreneurs is a practical guide for startup founders, offering strategies and lessons for scaling ventures. His second book, Beyond Boundaries, focuses on the revival of international cricket in Pakistan and explores how private leagues such as the KPL can transform the sports industry. Both titles have been well received and cited in discussions on entrepreneurship and sports management, adding to his reputation as a thought leader.
Publishing Insights in Sports and Entrepreneurship
Saqib is also an established author whose works capture his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the sports business. His book World Entrepreneurs – Branding Playbooks for Sports and Startups serves as a practical guide for startup founders, offering strategies and lessons for scaling ventures that have been referenced by emerging sports entrepreneurs and event managers in Pakistan seeking to professionalize their operations.
His second book, Beyond Boundaries, focuses on the revival of international cricket in Pakistan and explores how private leagues such as the KPL can transform the sports industry. The ideas presented in this book have influenced discussions within local sports management circles, where franchise owners, marketers, and youth entrepreneurs have drawn inspiration from his branding and commercialization strategies.
Both titles have been well received and cited in forums on entrepreneurship and sports management, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader whose concepts are actively shaping practices in Pakistan’s evolving sports ecosystem.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Saqib is focused on scaling the Kashmir Premier League while maintaining its global appeal and professional standards. As part of the top leadership of the KPL and a recognized master of sports branding, he is now embarking on international exposure initiatives to take the league to the world stage. He envisions expanding private leagues in Pakistan, fostering global collaborations, and integrating digital platforms and analytics to enhance the fan experience.
His long-term ambition is to create sustainable ventures that empower people, promote Pakistan internationally, and leave a legacy in both sports and business. From his early career in banking to his current role as Vice President of the KPL, Saqib ur Rehman has demonstrated foresight, innovation, and resilience. His journey reflects how sports entrepreneurship can be both a business success and a force for social impact, placing Kashmir and Pakistan firmly on the global sporting map.
