Glittering opening to PSL III
dubai — As expected the muchawaited and much-touted third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) got off to a glittering opening ceremony at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday evening.
To begin with, at sharp 7pm, the entire stadium was clouded in darkness. The only light that was visible was from spectators who were wearing armbands which displayed LED lights. Then Pakistan’s heartthrob Ali Zafar descended onto the pitch from a height of say 50 metres after being tied to a harness much to the amazement of the crowd that went ballistic. The PSL brand ambassador and singer then rendered the national anthem of Pakistan and followed it up with his latest PSL anthem ‘Dil Se Jaan Laga De’ (put your heart in it).
It was time for the teams to make their entry and this year’s debutants Multan Sultans were given the honour to leads the other five teams as former Pakistan great Ramiz Raja introduced them. They were followed by Islamabad United, winners of the first edition, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.
Then PSL and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi took over to announce the start of the League. Sethi showed satisfaction over the start of the third league. “A sixth member of the PSL family has joined us this year. Last year 24 matches happened, this year there will be 34. By the grace of God this tournament’s final will take place in Karachi on March 25 and that is a great thing for Pakistan cricket,” he said.
But it looked like the packed stadium was waiting anxiously for the legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen. They reserved the loudest applause for her and once she took centre-stage the crowd was left dumb-struck. American pop star Jason Derulo too created an electric atmosphere with some of his hip-hop songs.
This year, the PSL fans will see 30 matches during the league till March 16, which will be later followed by the playoffs qualifying for the final. The final is due to be held in Karachi’s National Stadium on March 25. Meanwhile, writing for the Times of India Ramiz Raja opined, “Pakistan Super League has been a success story from all angles. Every year the player profile keeps increasing and improving and money keeps pouring in. Pakistan Super League is second only to Indian Premier League.”
More news poured in when it was reported that Chris Lynn was doubtful for the early part of the series after he dislocated his shoulder. The explosive Australian batsman, who represents Lahore Qalandars, injured himself during fielding against New Zealand in the tri-series T20 final on Wednesday.
An official of PSL, on condition of anonymity, confirmed that they are still waiting on Lynn’s medical reports. “We are waiting on his MRI reports to come, after that we will see if he can join PSL and Lahore Qalandars for the latter part of the league,” said the official. Lahore Qalandars have confirmed they are not seeking immediate replacement for Lyinn.
Another team Peshawar Zalmi upped their star power by choosing Mahira Khan as their new brand ambassador. The defending champions released on Thursday their official song for this year’s PSL and Mahira and fellow brand ambassador and co-actor Hamza Ali Abbasi were seen grooving to the beats.
clareto@khaleejtimes.com