LAHORE: The opening ceremony of the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League HBL (PSL) kicked off in a blaze of lights and music representing the country’s rich cultural heritage at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, marking the start of an exciting cricket season. .
The celebrations began with a rendition of the National Anthem by Natasha Baig, which set the patriotic tone of the evening. Accompanied by their bands, Arif Lohar and Noori filled the stage with vibrant energy and enchanting melodies.
Adding to the spectacle, Ali Zafar and Aima Baig, the voices behind the official HBL PSL 9 anthem, enthralled the audience with their musicianship and electrifying performance.
Zafar mesmerized the crowd with a dazzling medley of his past PSL anthems and added another layer of excitement to the show.
The celebration also included an exciting laser show that enriched the overall entertainment experience for the audience.
The PSL is a T20 league featuring six city franchise teams. It was established 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 to be played at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on March 18.
Meanwhile, Islamabad United won their Pakistan Super League opener against defending champions Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets on Saturday.
Promoted to No.3, captain Shadab Khan led the way by blistering an unbeaten 74 off 41 balls after taking 1-24 with the ball. Two-time champions Islamabad reached 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 brisk 57 up front.
Farhan dominated the power play against fast bowler Naseem Shah, who returned after five months out with a shoulder injury. Naseem claimed the wicket of David Weis in the penultimate over. Naseem’s younger brother Ubaid had a forgettable debut in the league when he was smashed for 15 in his only over.
Van der Dussen hit four boundaries and three sixes in the death overs. Shadab and Salman Ali Agha plundered 138 off 67 balls in the third wicket. Agha made 64 off 31.
Lahore badly missed Afghan athlete Rashid Khan, who was ruled out of the tournament by a back injury.
Also, Haris Rauf, whose Pakistan contract was terminated this week after refusing to play Tests in Australia last year, conceded 38 in his three overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who dropped Shadab early, finished with 0-31.
