Wait for fans over: HBL PSL-9 festival begins today

LAHORE: The wait for cricket fans is over as the much-awaited Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) Season 9 will commence today.

The first match of PSL Season 9 will be played between defending champions Lahore Qalandar and Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

Before the match, the tournament will be started with a colourful opening ceremony in which the country’s famous artists will perform their art, while fireworks and laser show will also be organized for the fans.

The opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League will begin at 06:30 PM at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Entry of cricket fans will start at 03:30 PM.

Singers Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, Arif Lohar and Noori will perform in the opening ceremony.

On the other hand, cricketers from different countries have joined their teams, while the teams say that their preparation is complete.

It should be remembered that in PSL 9, 34 matches will be played among six teams in two phases, while the final of the event will be played on March 18 in Karachi.

Captains’ thoughts on HBL PSL 9

Shadab Khan – Islamabad United

“I have been captain of Islamabad United for the last four seasons and I want to lift the trophy for my team this season. 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.”

Shan Masood – Karachi Kings

“To represent and lead my hometown team Karachi in the HBL PSL is such a huge honour. It is a rebuilding process for Karachi Kings, where we are looking to build a core group of young players who can serve the franchise for the next five years. We have a great chance to do well given the last part of the tournament is set to take place in Karachi.”

Shaheen Shah Afridi – Lahore Qalandars

“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. 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. Lahore Qalandars are proud of having a strong fan base and our games in Lahore are going to be jam-packed.”

Mohammad Rizwan – Multan Sultans

“HBL PSL is a world-class league and we are all proud to be a part of this league. Multan’s pacers and emerging players have dominated the previous two seasons and that is one of the reasons of Sultans doing well consistently. This season we have got a strong squad as well and will look to maintain the standards.

“Multan crowds have given us a lot of love over the last two seasons and hopefully, they will again support us with the same enthusiasm this year.”

Babar Azam – Peshawar Zalmi

“Peshawar Zalmi has been one of the most exciting sides in HBL PSL history and with our current squad we are well poised to emerge as champions in this season. Some of the players are highly talented and gifted in our bowling and batting departments which gives Zalmi an edge over other teams.”

Rilee Rossouw – Quetta Gladiators

“The opportunity to lead a side in HBL PSL doesn’t come around often and it is such an honour for me. My expectation this season is to obviously win the HBL PSL 9. As a side, we will try to make it a high-performance arena. I think conditions in Karachi and Lahore will suit Quetta Gladiators and that is where we will look to bag the most points.”