https://arab.news/j3tet
- The stadium was packed to capacity ahead of a dazzling laser show and singing performance by Ali Zafar, Aima Baig
- Islamabad United won the toss following the lavish opening ceremony and invited Lahore Qalandars to bat first
ISLAMABAD: The 9th edition of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Twenty20 cricket tournament kicked off with a star-studded ceremony at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium shortly before defending champions Lahore Qalandars took on two-time title winners Islamabad United on Saturday evening.
The stadium was packed to capacity ahead of the dazzling laser show that marked the beginning of the championship that will unfold in four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi – which will host 34 matches.
Singers Ali Zafar and Aima Baig performed the PSL 9 anthem before Islamabad United won the toss and chose to bowl.
In a statement shared by the PCB a day earlier, 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.”
Skipper of Islamabad United, Shadab Khan, on the other hand applauded his balanced squad.
“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.