Dubai: It was a glittering start to the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Dubai International Stadium.
Thousands of fans were enthralled through a spectacular display of lights, music and fireworks.
For Pakistan cricket, it was another proud moment as they had won the hearts of everyone through the successful staging of the first two editions.
“We are very happy that PSL is today an international brand,” remarked Najam Sethi, the chief of PSL, who had conceptualised this league and transformed it into a great success despite having to host matches away from home in the UAE.
Before defending champions Peshawar Zalmi took on debutants Multans Sultans in the opening match, the colourful opening ceremony set the mood for the exciting action.
Legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen performed a Sufi act which included a Sufi medley of her best songs. American songwriter, singer and dancer Jason Derulo created a spectacular atmosphere through his irresistible beats. The fans cheered for Ali Zafar, the man behind the beautiful PSL anthems and pop icon Shehzad Roy and film stars Hareem Farooq and Bilal Ashraf.
The fans added to the beauty of the light show by switching on the torches in their mobiles and swaying to the rhythm of music. When the teams were paraded, Shahid Afridi, who will play for Karachi Kings this year, was given a standing ovation. The three legendary Pakistan pacers of yesteryears — Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in the role as coaches and Shoaib Akhtar as a mentor, were loudly cheered.
Former Pakistan captain turned commentator Rameez Raja talked to all the captains on their hopes of emerging as the champions of the third edition.
The aura of this league has skyrocketed ever since Pakistan lifted the Champions Trophy last year through youngsters that had come to fore through this tournament. Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Rumman Raees who are today playing vital roles in Pakistan’s rise as a power in limited over cricket stepped into the international arena through this tournament.
The UAE fans have backed this tournament by turning in large numbers at the Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium though efforts are now on to stage the next edition in 2019 totally in Pakistan.
After successfully staging the final of the second edition in Lahore, this edition’s eliminators are scheduled to be held in Lahore and final on March 25 in Karachi, the organisers are hoping that the international cricketers will play the PSL in Pakistan.
Hundreds of placards were waved at Multan Sultans, the new entry to the PSL as the sixth team which has made the league into a clash of the sixes. This team was bought by Dubai-based Schon Group for $5.2 million (Dh19 million) which is twice the price tag of the previous most expensive team in the franchise. They have roped in the legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram as their coach with Shoaib Malek, the veteran of many battles as the team captain.
Darren Sammy who leads the defending champions Peshawar Zalmi has won the hearts of all Pakistan fans by leading internationals cricketers to play the second edition final in Lahore. In fact, when Sethi addressed Sammy as the superstar of Pakistan cricket, he received a huge applause. “Darren, we are indebted to you for the courage with which you came to Lahore and won the hearts of everyone,” said Sethi.
