LAHORE: The countdown clock is ticking inside the Gaddafi Stadium as the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) show is now just a few days away.

Amid fanfare, the impressive-looking PSL trophy was unveiled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during a glitzy ceremony here at the Lahore Polo Club ground on Tuesday.

The ninth edition of the franchise-based event will be staged in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Karachi from Feb 17 to March 18. The six-team event starts in Lahore with the opener between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium while Karachi’s National Bank Stadium will host the final.

In a splendid display, the flags of the six participating teams were brought to the ground by horse riders in the presence of the captains of the participating teams along with their franchise owners and the newly-elected PCB chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

The PCB chairman on the occasion unveiled the crown, named ‘The Orion Trophy’ which will motivate the contestants to shine like stars on the field.

Made from pure silver and coated in white gold, the elegant trophy exudes prestige. Each detail is plated with white gold, adding grace that signifies the excellence of the PSL.

The captains, who were present on the occasion included Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars), Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi), Sha­dab Khan (Islamabad United), Karachi Kings (Shan Masood) and Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans).

Sarfaraz Ahmed was also there to represent Quetta Gladiators.

SARFARAZ REPLACED

The Gladiators — despite Sarfa­raz’s presence alongside other captains at the trophy unveiling — in a surprising decision took back the mantle from the veteran later on Tuesday.

In place of Sarfaraz, aggressive South African batter Rilee Rossouw was installed as Gladiators’ captain.

Azam Khan, the spokesman for Gladiators, confirmed the news in this regard. However, it is learnt that the franchise had not apprised Sarfaraz of the decision.

When asked whether there was any specific reason for a sudden change of guard, Azam only said that the decision was taken by the franchise while confirming that former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz would play for Gladiators in PSL-9.

Wicket-keeper/batter Sarfaraz led Gladiators in all the eight PSL editions during which his team reached two finals (2016, 2017) and lifted the trophy once, in 2019.

In his comments on the occasion, Mohsin hoped that the PSL would achieve more successes.

“It is a pleasure to announce that the PSL is entering its ninth season, and I am proud to say that PSL continues to be a success story for Pakistan cricket,” he said.

“Today, as we unveil this Orion trophy, we look forward to a month-long celebration of the beautiful game of cricket and the excitement and drama that accompanies it.

“The PSL connects to the hearts of people of Pakistan, who cherish every thrilling moment of the game. Be it towering sixes, high-intensity bowling, and top-notch catches, HBL PSL offers an emotional rollercoaster,” added the PCB chief.

Mohsin, who is also the caretaker chief minister of Punjab, assured that all his reservations, which he had as CM during the previous PSL edition would be taken into consideration this time around.

The Mohsin-led Punjab government last year had sought Rs800 million from the PCB for the security arrangements during the league. Later, the issue was resolved and the PCB paid just Rs100 million for the said purpose.

“The PSL is a major tournament and the PCB has made all the arrangements to hold this edition in a befitting manner,” Mohsin added.

“I also want to thank the representatives of all six teams for being present here today and I wish all the teams the best of luck for the [PSL 9] season. May the best team lift this prestigious trophy.”

Later on Tuesday, all the participating teams underwent practice at the Gaddafi Stadium and the adjacent LCCA ground.

Talking to reporters at the LCCA ground before a practice session, Sahibzada Farhan of Lahore Qalan­dars said the team would feel the absence of Afghanistan’s leg-spin sensation Rashid Khan.

“Our team will miss world’s top leg-spinner in Rashid who is not available for PSL 9,” Farhan said and added that he would play as wic­k­et-keeper/batter would look to win matches for his team in the league.

The 25-year-old Rashid, who played a vital role in helping Qalandars win back-to-back PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, withdrew from this year’s edition late last month to focus on his rehab after undergoing a back surgery.

SECURITY IN PLACE

Stringent security measures have been put in place for the PSL teams in the hotels and grounds as well as on their designated travel routes.

The Nishtar Sports Complex, where the Gaddafi Stadium is located, has been closed for general traffic as part of the security arrangements.

Interestingly in response to a query, the PCB media officials failed to give any idea as to how many PSL 9 tickets had been sold after the online sale system due to a technical fault started functioning on Feb 7 after a day’s delay.

All the owners of the franchises on the occasion expressed their delight and excitement about PSL 9.

“We are excited about this PSL edition. Islamabad United have been one of the most successful teams in the tournament and we want to extend that with a grand triumph in this season,” Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi said.

Salman Iqbal, who owns Karachi Kings, stated: “Karachi Kings are ready to turn the tables in PSL 9 with their breathtaking performances. The build-up and preparation for the tournament have been top-notch and I expect some quality results in the tournament.”

Atif Rana, CEO of Lahore Qala­ndars, definitely wants his team to defend the title successfully and maintain their winning run.

“As the two-time PSL champions we are eagerly looking forward to completing a hat-trick of triumphs for the first time in the history of the league,” he said.

“We’ll put in all our efforts to lift the Orion Trophy under the able leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi.”

Ali Khan Tareen, the owner of Multan Sultans, expressed: “I am super glad to be a

part of the PSL again. I want to make sure that the Sultans maintain consistency in their performances this year as well.

“It would be great to conclude this exciting season with the glittering PSL trophy being lifted by Mohammad Rizwan and Co.”

The chair of Peshawar Zalmi, Javed Afridi, said: “I am glad that the ninth edition of the PSL is finally here and the Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi are ready to make a mark in the tournament.

“Zalmi will continue to play the attacking style of cricket this year as well. My team is hungry to prove a point on the field.”

Nadeem Omar, the head of Quetta Gladiators, said PSL 9 motivated his players.

“The Orion Trophy has been unveiled and this occasion is no less a motivation for team Quetta to roar in PSL 9,” Nadeem said.

“We have had our fair share of struggles in the recent seasons but it is about time that Gladiators showcase good fight and determination and PSL 9 is a befitting time to be doing that.”

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2024