Game Plan opens its 1st Pakistan Office

Riaz Jilani takes over as Marketing Operations Head

he Pakistan Super League, Ronaldinho coming to Pakistan, an MMA fighter from Pakistan called Wolverine, the World XI touring Pakistan, Pakistani cricketers becoming social media sweethearts – the last couple of years have been catalytic for the sports business in Pakistan.

In a market showing signs of expansion and opportunity, status quo of service delivery and the same uninspired prevalent thinking isn’t what’s going to take us and the industry forward.

For observers of the industry it is a welcome sign of hope and a sign of the times to come that professionals from the corporate sector and specialists are finding their right place in the rarefied air at the helm of change in the sports business landscape. The strongest contingent yet to appear to be announcing their entrance into this space is none other than GamePlan, is set to open its Pakistan office in Lahore. Joining this movement with a view to bring a higher level of competence and professionalism to the industry, they have recruited people from industry who are each within their rights, power-hitters, pun intended.

Riaz Jilani Khan, of Jazz marketing fame, has been brought in to head up Marketing Operations, while Anila Khawaja, a PR and media expert who single-handedly runs the PTI international social media wing, will be taking guard to bat for the PR and Communications side of things, while seasoned sports broadcast pro and central PSL management member, Mohammad Faisal Mirza will be heading up all Strategic Initiatives and Alliances.

With industry experts like these at the helm, we feel confident for a brighter future for sports marketing in the country, with GamePlan aspiring to take Athlete Management and Property Creation to a new level while growing opportunities in commercial scope and asset development along with commercial brands wanting to solve creatively for entry into and capitalising on the tremendous potential of the sports industry.