The first match of the event will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi
20 February, 2021
PHOTO COURTESY: PCB
The much-awaited HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) will kick start with the match between Karachi Kings, defending champions, and Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium in Karachi.
The Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Gladiators are one of the most successful franchises in the history of HBL PSL. They lifted the trophy in 2019 and have also been runner-up twice. They will be keen on improving their performance, as compared to last season, after they failed to qualify for the play-offs — a first time occurrence in five seasons.
Hard-hitting West Indies opener Chris Gayle, who will be playing for Quetta, will be one of the players to watch out for during the opening match of the event.
Meanwhile, Karachi Kings will be led by experienced all-rounder Imad Wasim as the franchise looks to retain their title this year.
Karachi have a very balanced squad for HBL PSL 2021 with a nice blend of experience and youth, along with the services of one of the best T20 batsmen in the world, Babar Azam.
Captains share their thoughts
Imad Wasim: “I am really satisfied with the composition of our team. We picked seasoned players and I don’t see a weak link in the whole side. I am very happy about the selection. I have worked hard on my fitness. It is a thing that gives you that something extra. I have been strict about my diet. I try to keep improving in this field.”
Sarfaraz Ahmed: “Chris Gayle was unable to perform according to expectations during his previous stints in PSL but hopefully this time he will have the best PSL of his career and win the title for us. We will try to ensure that we don’t repeat the mistakes we made last year and put up a good show during the tournament.”
Predicted lineups
Quetta Gladiators:
Chris Gayle, Tom Banton, Saim Ayub, Azam Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c/wk), Ben Cutting, Mohammad Nawaz, Qais Ahmad, Usman Shinwari, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain
Karachi Kings:
Babar Azam, Sharjeel Khan, Colin Ingram, Joe Clarke (wk), Danish Aziz, Dan Christian, Mohammad Nabi, Imad Wasim, Waqas Maqsood, Mohammad Amir, Arshad Iqbal
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