PSL lights up Lord’s: star-studded roadshow celebrates Pakistan cricket

LONDON: The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessed a vibrant celebration of Pakistan cricket as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) rolled into London for a high-profile roadshow featuring top officials, legends of the game, and current superstars.

The event saw the special participation of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who joined an elite panel alongside Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram, and PSL CEO Salman Naseer. A second star-packed session brought together Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan, and Wasim Akram, drawing loud applause from cricket enthusiasts gathered at the “Home of Cricket.”

‘WE WANT PSL TO BE THE NO. 1 LEAGUE IN THE WORLD’

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated the board’s commitment to elevating the PSL on the global stage.

“We want to make PSL the number one league in the world,” Naqvi said, highlighting the immense potential of Pakistan’s players. He praised the league for grooming young talent, stating that PSL “gives local players the chance to hone their skills” while also noting that player incentives and rewards “motivate them to perform better.”

Naqvi credited the PCB and PSL administration for working together “for the betterment of cricket” despite numerous challenges, adding that investments in PSL “bring significant benefits.”

LEGENDS LAUD PSL’S ROLE IN PAKISTAN CRICKET

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja celebrated PSL as a driving force behind the sport’s growth in the country.

“PSL is promoting Pakistan cricket,” he said. “Young players get a chance to play with international cricketers, this is a proud moment for all Pakistanis.”

Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram echoed the sentiment, calling the league a powerful platform both for entertainment and talent development.

“PSL provides great entertainment for fans,” Akram said. “Most importantly, it gives our local players the opportunity to shine.”

PSL CEO Salman Naseer expressed pride in hosting a successful event at Lord’s, “Cricket fans in Pakistan enjoy great contests on the field, and PSL continues to deliver that excitement.”

‘IT’S AN HONOR TO PLAY FOR PAKISTAN’

The crowd erupted as Babar Azam, one of modern cricket’s biggest icons, took the stage.

“It is always an honor to play for Pakistan,” Babar remarked. Reflecting on his PSL journey, he said, “The league has always been great for me. Senior players have guided me throughout, and I try to pass on my experience to youngsters.”

Calling senior cricketers “an academy in themselves,” Babar added, “I’ve always focused on my game and continue learning every day.”

SAHIBZADA FARHAN AND HARIS RAUF PRAISE PSL’S IMPACT

Top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan highlighted the league’s role in elevating players’ skills.

“In PSL, you get a chance to learn from senior players like Babar Azam,” he said. “The league has improved my game tremendously. I’ve been playing for 17 years, and only now people have started recognising my work, PSL made that possible.”

Speedster Haris Rauf called PSL a “part of our lives,” crediting it as the turning point of his career.

A PROUD DAY FOR PAKISTAN CRICKET

The London roadshow not only showcased the PSL’s global footprint but also underlined Pakistan’s growing influence in the cricketing world.

The packed hall, lively discussions, and shared pride from players and legends made it clear: PSL continues to be one of Pakistan’s strongest ambassadors on the international stage.