DUBAI: The glittering HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 trophy was unveiled in a spectacular ceremony at the Dubai Sports City here on Monday.

A packed audience comprising local and international media were dazzled by the ‘Spirit Trophy’ designed by Swarovski which captures the spirit of Pakistan cricket.

The trophy, which took four months of master craftsmanship, was unveiled by Najam Sethi, the PSL chairman, and captains of the five franchises.

Sethi reiterated the league’s aim of holding the league final in Lahore.

He also asked cricket fans to back the tournament to the hilt besides appreciating the interest of foreign players and coaches roped in by the five franchises.

The PSL chairman also thanked the sponsors, franchise owners and supporters of the tournament that will witness some of the best cricketing talent compete for the ‘Spirit Trophy’.

Managing director of Swarovski, Andrew Mojica, spoke about the design philosophy of the trophy and how it captures the essence of Pakistan’s biggest passion, the game of cricket.

Ramiz Raja. The brand ambassador of HBL PSL, welcomed the participating players and thanked them for their interest in the league.

The former Pakistan captain hoped that the second season of the tournament would outdo the success of the first season which drew massive interest in and outside Pakistan.

HBL PSL trophies for the best batsman, best bowler, wicket-keeper and man-of-the-tournament were also unveiled during the ceremony.

The best batsman’s trophy, named after legendary Pakistan batsman Hanif Mohammad (crystallized cricket bat) was unveiled by Lahore Qalandars captain Brendon McCullum, Islamabad United skipper Misbah ul Haq and Karachi Kings captain Kumar Sangakkara, the the legendary Sri Lankan batsman.

The best bowler’s trophy, a crystallized cricket ball named after legendary fast bowler Fazal Mahmood (crystallized cricket ball) was unveiled by Peshawar Zalmi captain Darren Sammy.

The best wicket-keeper’s trophy, a crystallized wicket-keeper’s glove named after legendary wicket-keeper Imtiaz Ahmed was unveiled by Quetta Gladiators’ captain Sarfraz Ahmed.

The man-of-the-tournament’s trophy, a crystallized rising star was unveiled by Karachi Kings all-rounder Shoaib Malik.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2017