Written by: Muhammad Awais
Posted on: February 27, 2020 | 
| 中文
PSL Team Captains with Cricket Legend Jehangir Khan (photo credits to Dispatch News Desk)
The Fifth Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 has officially kicked off with much fervor and excitement. PSL has been sponsored by Habib Bank Limited, which has successfully conducted four cricket leagues, from 2016 to 2019. This PSL is particularly special because for the first time, the entirety of the International T20 tournament will take place in Pakistan; previously, only the finals were played in the country. There will be 34 T20 matches, which take place from February 20 till March 22.
PSL’s opening ceremony at Karachi Stadium aimed to have as much representation as the cricket teams themselves. The ceremony featured vibrant fireworks, an elaborate orchestra and more than 350 artists from Pakistan. Crowds witnessed folk singers like Sanam Marvi, Arif Lohar and Abrar ul Haq with superstars like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and popstars such as Haroon and Asim Azhar. Fakhar-e-Alam was the host of the evening, while the special guests were the Chief Minister Sindh, DG Rangers, Governor Sindh, Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board and HBL's CEO. Although there were some technical and logistical difficulties, the crowd more than made up for the slips. The whole stadium was electric with roaring excited crowds, giving the event an atmosphere of a nation-wide mela (festival).
(L to R) Ali Azmat, Haroon, Arif Lohar and Asim Azahar Performing at the Opening Ceremony (photo credits to behtareen.pk)
This year, there are six teams playing: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans. The Karachi Kings are owned by Salman Iqbal and their captain is Ammad Waseem. The Multan Sultans are owned by Ali Tareen, with Shan Masood as their captain. Islamabad United is jointly owned by Ali and Amna Naqvi, with Shadab Khan as their captain. The Lahore Qalanders are owned by Rana Fawad and captained by Sohail Akhter. Lastly, Peshawar Zalmai is owned by Javed Afridi, and captained by Darren Sammi. In the past, Islamabad United lifted the trophy twice, Peshawar Zalmi once and Quetta Gladiators once.
The PSL 2020 Opening Ceremoney (photo credits to NewsnBlogs)
Up till now, eight matches have taken place and Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans are on equal footing. Each team has played 3 matches, 2 of which were won and one lost. Peshawar has also played 3 matches so far, but with one win and two lost. Similarly, Karachi Kings have played 2 matches with one win and one lost. Lahore is at the bottom as they are still looking to win a match.
Peshawar Zalmis Shoaib Malik (L) During a Match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings (credits to AFP)
Every team has strengths and weaknesses; some have fiery batting power, while other have pace bowling attack. Islamabad United now has Misbah-ul-Haq as its new coach, instead of Dean Jones who joined Karachi Kings. Fans wonder if this change will prove harmful, as Jones has led Islamabad United to victory twice before. For now, Islamabad United’s batting power mostly relies on foreign players like Luke Rounchi, Colin Munro, Colin Ingram, while Asif Ali is in the middle with Shadab Khan.
Stills From a Match Between Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators (photo credits to Geo Super)
The biggest franchise and theoretically the best team, the Lahore Qalandars, should take the lead, with Fakhar Zaman and Hafeez batting; Zaman’s innings had led Pakistan into victory during the Champions Trophy final against India. This duo's power is combined with those of explosive bowlers like Usman Shinwari and Shaheen Afridi, the new talent in the field. But for now, they are eagerly looking for their first win. Multan sultans with the change in ownership after 3rd season have been consistently improving, which showed during last night’s match against Peshawar Zalmi. They are the ones to watch.
An action shot from the Qalandars vs Sultans encounter (Photo courtesy PCB)
The Karachi Kings have the highest profile, with new coach Dean Jones and President Wasim Akram. But despite the pomp around it, Karachi Kings remain a balanced team in terms of bowling and batting skills. Peshawar Zalmi is also in good shape, with a maiden century from player Kamran Akmal in the 5th season.
Luke Ronchi (L) of Islamabad United plays a shot as Sarfraz Ahmed (R) looks on (credits to AFP)
A key point of interest this season have been the international players, who have attracted great attention. This season, ex-cricketers like Ambrose from West Indies and Greg Chappal from Australia have been viewing PSL from the sidelines. Chris Lynn (Australia), Kieron Pollard (West Indies), Shane Watson (Australia), Seekkuge Prassana (Sri Lanka), Chris Jordan (England) and more players have taken part in the matches with their respective teams.
Darren Sami Wearing Traditional Headwear (credits to Geo TV)
Darren Sammi, the Peshawar Zalmi captain, is not only a capable batsman, but also someone who has consistently shown affection for the people of Pakistan. Due to his commitment to promoting a positive image of Pakistan, Sammi has been awarded with an honorary Pakistani citizenship. He’s the third Afro-origin person to be given this honor, next to Emperor Hailee Selassie in 1958 and Nelson Mandela in 1992.
Cricket in Pakistan is not just about the game, but the excitement which comes with watching one’s hometown team or favorite players playing on Pakistani soil. Cricket enthusiasts are excited to see the strategies and surprises that will come with each new match. The final match will be held on March 22 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Crowds at a Cricket Match (photo credits to Geo Super)
You may also like:
