Pakistan Super League set to launch with star-studded ceremony today

Pakistan Super League set to launch with star-studded ceremony today
Pakistan Super League (PSL) team captains Shaheen Shah Afridi (R) of Lahore Qalandars, Sarfraz Ahmed (2R) of Quetta Gladiators, Shadab Khan (3R) of Islamabad United, Shan Masood (L) of Karachi Kings, Mohammad Rizwan (2L) of Multan Sultans and Babar Azam (3L) of Peshawar Zalmi pose during the PSL trophy unveiling ceremony at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on February 13, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 17 February 2024
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Pakistan Super League set to launch with star-studded ceremony today

Pakistan Super League set to launch with star-studded ceremony today
  • The first match of the tournament will be between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi plans ‘a hat-trick of titles’ for Qalandars after two back-to-back victories

ISLAMABAD: The 9th edition of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Twenty20 cricket will commence today, Saturday, with a clash between two-time champions Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United after a star-studded opening ceremony at the Qaddafi Stadium in the evening.
The ceremony, which will be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), will kick off at 6:30pm with an array of exciting performances by Arif Lohar, Natasha Baig, Noori and the singers of the PSL 9 anthem Ali Zafar and Aima Baig.
Fans will also be treated to spectacular fireworks and a mesmerizing laser show.
The HBL PSL tournament will be held in four cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, which will host 34 matches.
Lahore and Multan will host the first leg of the league from February 17 to February 27 before the action moves to Karachi and Rawalpindi.
Pindi Cricket Stadium will host nine matches from March 2 to March 10. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium will also be the venue for 11 T20 thrillers and host the grand finale on March 18.
In a statement shared by the PCB, captain of Lahore Qalandars Shaheen Shah Afridi said he was excited to be leading the team again.
“I am genuinely excited to be leading Lahore Qalandars for the third consecutive season in HBL PSL and the hunt for a hat-trick of titles makes me eager to do well,” he said. “We are eying a third HBL PSL win this time and I can assure you that my team will show the same intensity as we have done in the past two seasons.”
He maintained that his team had a strong fan base, adding that its games in Lahore were going to be jam-packed.
Shadab Khan, skipper of Islamabad United, thought he had a balanced side.
“I have been captain of Islamabad United for the last four seasons and I want to lift the trophy for my team this season,” he said. “The additions of Imad Wasim and the Shah brothers are a huge boost for the franchise. Faheem Ashraf and Azam Khan are two vital cogs in our team. I want my team to stand tall in high-pressure games and get over the line. We have evaluated our mistakes from the last season and are looking forward to executing our plans aptly this time around.”
The PSL officially began in February 2016. It is a significant cricket league in Pakistan, featuring city-based franchise teams.
The PSL is a major event in Pakistan’s cricket calendar, symbolizing the country’s love for the sport, and brings together both local and international talent.
It has grown substantially in value and popularity since its inception, contributing to the global cricket landscape.