Lahore, February 16, 2024 – The ninth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to kick off with a dazzling opening ceremony at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday evening, preceding the clash between reigning champions Lahore Qalandars and two-time champions Islamabad United.
The Gaddafi Stadium, bathed in glittering lights, will witness a spectacular extravaganza featuring a star-studded musical lineup. Renowned artists including Arif Lohar, Noori Band, Ali Zafar, and Aima Baig will enthrall the spectators with their melodious tunes during an elaborate ceremony. The festivities will culminate with a breathtaking display of fireworks and a laser show, marking the commencement of the highly anticipated cricketing event.
In a historic first, the opening ceremony returns to the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, since the inception of the HBL PSL in 2016. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is dedicated to making this maiden ceremony a memorable one for cricket enthusiasts.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is expected to grace the momentous occasion, joined by cricketing heroes and various dignitaries, creating an electric atmosphere as fans eagerly await the first ball of the opening match scheduled for 8pm PKT.
Four Cities, 34 Matches: A Pan-Pakistan Cricket Extravaganza
The HBL PSL 9 is set to unfold across four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi – hosting a total of 34 matches. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host nine matches, including five home matches for the Lahore Qalandars, while the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium will see all five Multan Sultans fixtures.
The initial leg of the league, spanning from February 17 to 27, will take place in Lahore and Multan before the action shifts to Karachi and Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host nine matches from March 2nd to 10th, with Islamabad United featuring in five matches. Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators will also showcase their skills on the Rawalpindi turf.
Karachi’s National Bank Stadium will be the grand stage for 11 matches, culminating in the grand finale on March 18. The home side, Karachi Kings, is set to play a minimum of five matches at the venue, adding to the excitement for local fans.
Captains’ Aspirations for HBL PSL 9
As the cricketing action unfolds, captains from each team share their thoughts on the upcoming season:
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…”
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…”
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…”
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…”
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…”
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…”
Squads Bolstered for Intense Battles
The six participating teams have strengthened their 20-member squads ahead of the marquee event. Here are the squads for each team:
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (captain), Alex Hales, Azam Khan, Colin Munro, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Jordan Cox, Matthew Forde, Mohammad Waseem, Naseem Shah, Obed McCoy, Qasim Akram, Rumman Raees, Salman Ali Agha, Shahab Khan, and Tymal Mills. Emerging players: Hunain Shah, Shamyl Hussain, and Ubaid Shah.
Karachi Kings: Shan Masood (captain), Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Blessing Muzarabani, Daniel Sams, Hassan Ali, James Vince, Kieron Pollard, Leus Du Plooy, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shoaib Malik, and Tabraiz Shamsi. Emerging players: Fawad Ali, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Rohid, Saad Baig, and Sirajuddin.
Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti, Dan Lawrence, David Wiese, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Lorcan Tucker, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Rassie van der Dussen, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Fayyaz, Shai Hope, Sikandar Raza, and Zaman Khan. Emerging players: Jahandad Khan, Syed Faridoun Mahmood, and Tayyab Abbas.
Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abbas Afridi, Aftab Ibrahim, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Dawid Malan, Iftikhar Ahmad, Ihsanullah, Johnson Charles, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Olly Stone, Reeza Hendricks, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir, and Usman Khan. Emerging players: Faisal Akram, Mohammad Shahzad, and Yasir Khan.
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Arif Yaqoob, Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Daniel Mousley, Luke Wood, Mohammad Haris, Paul Walter, Rovman Powell, Saim Ayub, Salman Irshad, Sufyan Muqeem, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Umair Afridi, and Waqar Salamkheil. Emerging players: Aimal Khan, Haseebullah Khan, Mehran Mumtaz, and Mohammad Zeeshan.
Quetta Gladiators: Rilee Rossouw (captain), Abrar Ahmad, Bismillah Khan, Jason Roy, Laurie Evans, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Omair bin Yousuf, Sajjad Ali Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmad, Saud Shakeel, Sherfane Rutherford, Sohail Khan, Umar Amin, Usman Qadir, Usman Tariq, and Will Smeed. Emerging players: Adil Naz and Khawaja Mohammad Nafay.
The cricketing fever is set to grip the nation as HBL PSL 9 promises thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and the spirit of competition that defines Pakistan’s cricketing passion.
