Stage set for Pakistan Super League duels

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Stage set for Pakistan Super League duels

stadiums(From left) Azhar Ali, Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi during the PSL trophy unveiling ceremony at Dubai Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Dubai - Featuring 69 local and 29 foreign players, the five-team, 24-match bonanza will be staged from February 4-23 in Dubai and Sharjah.

By Liaqat Ali

Published: Thu 4 Feb 2016, 9:10 PM

Pakistan Super League trophy was unveiled by team captains in the presence of chairman Najam Sethi and team owners at Dubai Cricket Stadium on Wednesday

Featuring 69 local and 29 foreign players, the five-team, 24-match bonanza will be staged from February 4-23 in Dubai and Sharjah.
The PSL opening ceremony attractions Sean Paul and Ali Zafar also interacted with media to show their love for cricket. The lively Paul entertained the media with his unique style. It was as if he was performing on the stage while answering questions by journalists.
"Cricket and music have something in common - to entertain people. I have strong bond with cricket as I have played cricket in my school days and I wanted to become a fast bowler like Curtly Ambrose. But I am happy what I am today and my job is to entertain people. I hope we are having a very good series called the PSL," Paul said.
While talking about Dubai, Paul said: "I have been coming here for last 11 years and this city has got lot of attraction. It is a true cosmopolitan city. The world is going through recession but to see the amount of construction going on here is mind boggling."
Ali Zafar, Pakistani singer and actor, an all-rounder in his own right, also shared his views about the tournament.

"I am unable to express my happiness that the PSL is going to happen at last. I feel honoured to be part of the project and hope to see a great contest during the series since Shahid Afridi and Chris Gayle are here to entertain us with fours and sixes."
While addressing the gathering, Sethi said: "It is a dream come true to stage the PSL and I feel exonerated after so much negativity in the media about the tournament.
"We survived all the challenges and finally we are here to play quality cricket. I thank our main sponsors Habib Bank Limited for their support. They have got history of grooming a number of cricketers in Pakistan.
"The owners of five teams are true captains and true Pakistani nationals for me. They came forward and bought franchises to help us organise a show like this."
Shahid Afridi while addressing the media said: "The PSL belongs to all of us and it needs promotion. Since there are a lot of Pathans here I hope they will turn up for matches. Other than Pathans I request all the Pakistanis and cricket lovers to come and enjoy the game."
Afridi announced if somebody comes wearing Peshawar Zalmi shirt then there is no need for him to buy ticket because it will be paid by team owner Javed Afridi.In the first match of the tournament on Thursday, Islamabad United take on Quetta Gladiators at Dubai Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Islamabad have a good collection of specialists in most slots. The side will depend on experienced hands of captain Misbah-ul Haq, all-rounders Shane Watson, Andre Russell and pace spearhead Mohammad Irfan. Youngsters like Umar Amin, Babar Azam and Ruman Raees have got a golden chance to announce their arrival at the PSL stage.
Quetta Gladiators don't look so strong on papers, but they do have Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright. West Indian legend Vivian Richards' role as mentor will be a great inspiration for the Gladiators.
The crowd should expect a great contest though as Islamabad definitely have an edge over Quetta.
But nothing can be predicted in T20 format!
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com