PSL-9: spectacular opening ceremony await fans

LAHORE: The highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League (PSL-9) is scheduled to kick off today at 06:30pm at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, setting the stage for the start of the tournament.

The ceremony promises a vibrant spectacle with renowned artists from Pakistan showcasing their talents, accompanied by dazzling fireworks and a captivating laser show to enthrall fans.

Notable singers such as Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, Arif Lohar, and Noori are all geared up to mesmerize the audience with their performances.

Peshawar Zalmi unveils energetic anthem for PSL 9

Following the grand ceremony, Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United will lock horns in the inaugural match of PSL’s ninth season at 8:00pm at the same venue.

Preparations at the stadium are in full swing, with both teams and officials gearing up for the showdown. Stringent security measures have been put in place, with over 900 security personnel deployed to ensure a safe environment for the match.

Cricket enthusiasts can start making their way to the stadium from 03:30pm onwards to catch all the action live.

Meanwhile, players from various countries have joined their respective teams, expressing confidence in their readiness to hit the ground running and deliver an exhilarating display of cricketing prowess.

Squads

Lahore Qalandars

Abdullah Shafique, Dan Lawrence, Fakhar Zaman, Mirza Tahir Baig, Rassie van der Dusse, Sahidbzada Farhan, Ahsan Bhatti, David Wiese, Jahandad Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Sikandar Raza, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Shai Hope (wk), Haris Rauf, Mohammad Imran, Salman Fayyaz, Shaheren Afridi (c), Syed Faridoun, Tayyab Abbas and Zaman Khan.

Islamabad United

Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Haider Ali, Muhammad Waseem, Shamyl Hussain, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Qasim Akram, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Jordan Cox (wk), Hunain Shah, Matthew Forde, Naseem Shah, Obed McCoy, Rumman Raees, Shahab Khan, Tymal Mills and Ubaid Shah.

It is pertinent to note that in PSL-9, 34 matches will be played between six teams in two phases, while the final of the event will be played on March 18 in Karachi.