LAHORE: A sparkling laser show and a colouful display of fireworks during an impressive ceremony marked the start of the ninth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

The opening ceremony started with the national anthem, and was followed by melodious performances by folk singer Arif Lohar’s group, which also featured his three sons, and Nori Group to the delight of cheering spectators at a half-full stadium.

Later vibrant shows by singer Ali Zafar, the leader of Rock Star group, and Aima Baig brought the half-an-hour ceremony to an end.

Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and federal minister Gohar Ijaz were the prominent officials present on the occasion.

Almost all the stands were occupied by boisterous fans as they got ready to witness the first match of PSL 9 between defending champions and hosts Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United.

“My best wishes for all the six [participating] teams [of PSL]; I congratulate fans and players over the launch of the ninth edition,” a PCB media release quoted Mohsin as saying.

“I hope that fans will watch the international standard of cricket during this edition too and the PSL has increased the soft image of Pakistan,” he added.

During the opening ceremony, the lights inside the stadium and all enclosures including the media gallery remained switched off which caused inconvenience for the reporters and other members of media.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2024