MULTAN: Defending champions Khan Research Laboratories were pegged back by Civil Aviation Authority in a 1-1 draw on Sunday night in the opening match for both teams in the 13th edition of the Pakistan Premier Football League which is being played under the court-appointed Pakistan Football Federation led by Ashfaq Hussain Shah, which is not recognised by FIFA.

KRL, who won the league when it was last held some two-and-half years back, made a fast start at the Qasim Bagh Football Stadium and swept into a second-minute lead after Alamgir Khan scored. However CAA levelled matters in the 37th through Sohail before defending stoutly in numbers against a KRL side looking to begin their campaign on a winning note.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2021