Stars shine as PSL kicks off in Dubai

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan thanks everyone for supporting PSL


Abdul Majid February 04, 2016
PHOTO: TWITTER

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set to rock the world of lucrative T20 leagues. With 69 local and 29 foreign stars, the five-team, 24-match league will be held from February 4 to February 23 at two UAE stadiums in Sharjah and Dubai.

The teams were sold for a total of $93 million to ARY media group (Karachi Kings), Qatar Oil (Lahore Qalandars), UAE Capital Venture (Islamabad United), Haier (Peshawar Zalmi) and Omar Associates (Quetta Gladiators) for 10 years, with $200,000 salaries for top-tier players and relatively handsome pays for mid-tier and emerging talent as well. The winning side, meanwhile, will bring home $1 million.

With the legendary Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja as brand ambassadors, the PSL is being touted as Pakistan’s much needed opportunity to resurface on the international cricket scene in the limited overs formats.



Kevin Pietersen shares his thoughts

"We are here to entertain but most importantly we are here to share our experience. We have only three to four years left but we have youngsters with us who have a lot of time to learn and play."





And the fireworks start...



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A little more?





Masti k din hain... continues





Masti k din hain...





The showstopper, Ali Zafar, is here!

This is how a 'rockstar' makes an entry.





Who can stop Gayle from stealing the show?





Everyone enjoying Sean Paul's performance





Sean Paul on the floor...









Sanam Saeed announced the PSL officially open





Captains sign the wall





The 'Shooting Star' arrives







Najam Sethi speaks

"Its a very happy day. A lot of hardwork has gone into making this dream a reality. I want to thank everyone who helped us convert this dream into a reality. I want to thank PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan for his help. Franchises, sponsors, media, players and our nation, everyone has been a part of the process. I am thankful to everyone. World wants to see cricket. Pakistanis are passionate about the game as well. We are sending a message that we can play cricket and we can help other play cricket. In PSL, whether a team or wins or loses, in the end Pakistan will win. I promise to bring at least one or two matches in Pakistan in the next edition. And in the third year, we will come to Pakistan completely."





President of HBL speaks

He says HBL is delighted to be a part of PSL. "HBL has been supporting cricket for a long time now. I'll take this opportunity to congratulate PCB for this event."



Sanam Saeed on stage now...





Quetta Gladiators' performance





Peshawar Zalmi's performance





Lahore Qalandars' performance





Karachi Kings' performance





Islamabad United's performance





2011 Miss Sri Lanka Stephanie Siriwardana on stage

She says she likes Imran Khan and Shahid Afridi.





Performance by Green Man Group





Captains arrive in the stadium

Islamabad's Misbahul Haq followed by Karachi's Shoaib Malik, Lahore's Azhar Ali, Peshawar's Shahid Afridi and Quetta's Sarfraz Ahmed.



Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza for you!

https://twitter.com/cricingif/status/695271492905492480



The countdown to start the PSL

https://twitter.com/cricingif/status/695267291018166272



The national anthem of Pakistan being played in the UAE

https://twitter.com/cricingif/status/695266628884414464

COMMENTS (17)

bharat | 8 years ago | Reply Good to see this happening. But it should be held in Pakistan.What about the fans there?
Abhi | 8 years ago | Reply Looks like a good opening ceremony.
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