LAHORE: The most anticipated tournament in the domestic calendar is upon us as the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) begins on February 13 (tomorrow).
The tournament will begin with Multan Sultans, the winners and eventual finalists of the 2021 edition, the defending champions and the hosts Lahore Qalandars at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi will also host matches in the eighth edition of the PSL, which promises to be as exciting as the last seven.
Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena will host the second match of the tournament when hosts Karachi Kings take on Peshawar Zalmi. The match and the tournament opener will start at 8 pm with the toss at 7:30 pm.
Quetta Gladiators will begin their campaign against Multan on February 15 and Islamabad United will play their first match of the season in Karachi on February 16.
The action will move to the northern half of the country from February 26, with Lahore and Rawalpindi hosting the final leg of the tournament. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan’s home of cricket, will host four play-offs and finals, in addition to five league stage games and 11 matches in Rawalpindi.
The winner of the final at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 19 will not only lift the Supernova trophy but also collect a check of Rs 120 million while the runners-up will be given a check of Rs 48 million.
A look at the winners
All six franchises have won the PSL title at least once, underscoring the quality and high level of competition among all six sides in the tournament.
Islamabad United, the inaugural champions, are the only team to have won the PSL title twice (second time in 2018). Peshawar Zalmi won the 2017 edition. Quetta Gladiators, who were finalists in the first two editions, won the 2019 competition. Karachi Kings were the first team to lift the trophy at home against Lahore Qalandars in Karachi in 2020. Multan Sultans won their first title in 2021. Last year Qalandars lifted the trophy in Lahore.
Opening ceremony
Before the action of PSL 8 begins, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in continuation of its tradition, has organized a grand opening ceremony.
Cricket fans in Multan and around the world will witness the spectacular performances of various artists and the main highlight will be the performances of PSL 8 anthem singer Abdullah Siddiqui, Asim Azhar, Faris Shafi and Shai Gul.
Fans will also enjoy performances by renowned music composer Sahir Ali Baga and talented singer Aima Baig as they add to the star-studded line-up, making the inaugural event an unforgettable experience.
Captain ready for the tournament
Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan recalled ahead of the tournament how the tournament gave him the opportunity, belief and confidence to grow and develop as a cricketer.
The quality and standard of bowling is much better than any other league. And this is not me saying it, but the top players playing in PSL have shared it publicly. Personally, I am very happy when the best cricketers in the world appreciate our league and its quality.
PSL is one of the best leagues in the world, which is very close to our hearts. We look forward to this league for 10 months during which we prepare, plan and set goals. Then, we join this great event to achieve our collective goals, help our teams win and so on,” said Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim.
“Last year, Karachi Kings were hampered by injuries, but for 2023, we have all bases covered with top-quality players who are all match-winners. The most important thing for us is to play T20s like this. “Played the way it should be played, with a positive attitude and aggressive intent.”
Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi said that he cannot wait for PSL 8 to start.
“We had an incredible run last year and it is our strong bond as a family that helped us win the PSL. A lot of hard work and effort was put in behind the scenes which resulted in us lifting the trophy in 2022. We have worked even harder and we have come into this season much better prepared because retaining the title is a difficult task, but with the team. From what I have found, I am sure that the PSL trophy will remain in Lahore.
Multan Sultans captain Muhammad Rizwan said that his team’s philosophy is to play like champions regardless of the opponent or the results.
“We have been able to inculcate this approach in the side because we are a close-knit side and the credit for that cohesion has to be given to the team management. Also, we have a good mix and combination of coaches. , which helps me captain the team.
Peshawar Zalmi’s new captain Babar Azam said that every edition of PSL is interesting for him because of its competitive nature. “Every year is a different challenge because the players you share the Pakistan dressing room with all year become your opponents.”
He added that he is looking forward to a good start in this journey.
Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said that we have not been able to perform to our potential in the last two to three editions, but I am sure that 2023 is the year when we will bounce back and Quetta Gladiators fans will be happy. Will raise with pride. We have a solid team that has all the talent to win, and I’m excited to get back in the purple and gold and lead this great team.”
