Lahore Qalandars vs. Islamabad United in Opening Thriller!
The much-awaited PSL 9 is set to begin today with an electrifying match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium. Lahore, the two-time champions (2022 and 2023), will face off against Islamabad, also two-time champions (2016 and 2018), in what promises to be a thrilling encounter starting at 8pm Pakistan time.
The opening ceremony at 6:30pm will feature performances by Arif Lohar, Natasha Baig, pop band Noori, and the dynamic duo of Ali Zafar and Aima Baig, who sang the PSL 9 anthem. Fans can also look forward to spectacular fireworks and a mesmerizing laser show.
The tournament will span four cities—Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi—hosting 34 matches. Lahore will host nine matches, with Qalandars playing five at home. Multan Cricket Stadium will host five matches, all featuring Multan Sultans. Lahore and Multan will host the first leg of the league from 17 to 27 February, followed by matches in Karachi and Rawalpindi.
Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host nine matches from March 2 to 10, with Islamabad United playing five. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium will host 11 matches, including the grand finale on March 18, with Karachi Kings playing a minimum of five matches there and Quetta Gladiators three.
Captains’ Comments:
Shadab Khan, Islamabad United’s captain, aims to lift the trophy this season with additions like Imad Wasim and the Shah brothers.
Karachi Kings’ captain Shan Masood sees it as an honor to lead his hometown team and is focused on building a core group of young players.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore Qalandars’ captain, is eager for a hat-trick of titles and promises the same intensity as in past seasons.
Mohammad Rizwan, Multan Sultans’ captain, believes they have a strong squad and aims to maintain their standards.
Babar Azam, Peshawar Zalmi’s captain, is confident in their squad’s talent and believes they are well-positioned to be champions.
Rilee Rossouw, Quetta Gladiators’ captain, aims to win PSL 9 and views Karachi and Lahore as favorable venues for their team.
Squads for the six participating teams have been finalized, with each team having a 20-member squad. The stage is set for a thrilling and action-packed PSL 9!