HBL PSL 9 begins with glitzy opening ceremony

LAHORE:

The opening ceremony of the ninth season of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off on Saturday in a blaze of lights and music, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, marking the beginning of an exciting cricket season.

The festivities commenced with Natasha Baig's rendition of the national anthem, setting a patriotic tone for the evening. Arif Lohar and Noori, accompanied by their respective musical groups, infused the stage with pulsating energy and enchanting melodies.

Adding to the spectacle, Ali Zafar and Aima Baig, the voices behind the official anthem of HBL PSL 9, captivated the audience with their musical prowess and electrifying performance.

Zafar mesmerised the crowd with a dazzling medley featuring his past PSL anthems, adding an extra layer of excitement to the show.

The celebration also featured a captivating laser show, enriching the overall entertainment experience for the audience.

PSL is a T20 league contested by six city-based franchise teams. It was founded by the Pakistan Cricket Board in 2015.

This year, the event is being held in four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, with the final scheduled to be played at National Bank Stadium, Karachi on March 18.

Meanwhile, Islamabad United won the opening game of the Pakistan Super League against defending champions the Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets on Saturday.

Promoting himself to No.3, captain Shadab Khan led the way by blistering an unbeaten 74 runs off 41 balls after taking 1-24 with the ball. Two-time champion Islamabad cruised to 200-2 in 18.2 overs after Lahore made 195-5.

Rassie van der Dussen led Lahore with an unbeaten 71 off 41 balls and Sahibzada Farhan added a rapid 57 up front.

Farhan dominated the power play against fast bowler Naseem Shah, who returned after five months out due to a shoulder injury. Naseem claimed the wicket of David Weise in the penultimate over. Naseem's younger brother, Ubaid, had a forgetful league debut, being smashed for 15 in his only over.

Van der Dussen crashed four boundaries and three sixes in the death overs. Shadab and Salman Ali Agha plundered 138 off 67 balls in a third-wicket stand. Agha made 64 off 31.

Lahore badly missed leg-spinner Rashid Khan of Afghanistan, who was ruled out of the tournament because of back injury.

Also, Haris Rauf, whose Pakistan contract was terminated this week after he refused to play tests in Australia last year, conceded 38 in his three overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who dropped Shadab early on, ended up with 0-31.

(With additional input from News Desk)