LAHORE: The HBL Pakistan Super League got off to a stupendous start in Karachi and Lahore and the action now shifts to Multan and Rawalpindi.

This marks the first instance of these two cities hosting the PSL fixtures and the players and their families are looking forward to the PSL action in the city.

The Sultans from Multan have in their ranks fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan and the big-hitting opening batsman Zeeshan Ashraf belonging to the areas adjacent to the city of saints, Multan, while Islamabad United, who lifted the coveted HBL PSL trophy twice, have their captain Shadab Khan and fast-bowler Musa Khan hailing from Rawalpindi.

Multan Cricket Stadium will stage three HBL PSL matches on 26, 28 and 29 February and the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi will host eight matches which will be played on 27, 28, 29 February and 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 March.

Multan Sultans will be in action in front of their home fans in all three matches in their home venue and Irfans and Zeeshans families are eager to see the matches get underway which provides them a chance of seeing their very own in the flesh at their own stadiums.

Mohammad Asim, brother of Mohammad Irfan, said: “Growing up, Irfan was often scolded by our parents for his interest in cricket. Eventually, his passion superseded everything. Now we are all proud of him.”

“It makes me very happy to see all HBL PSL games take place in Pakistan. I will go to the stadium to support Irfan and his team.”

Mohammad Ashraf, father of Zeeshan Ashraf, said: “My brothers and his mother are very happy that Zeeshan made it to Multan Sultans. My son is very hard working and his efforts are paying off now. We are all praying for his success in the HBL PSL and are hoping he would have a long and rewarding career.

“We will invite family and friends to watch Zeeshans matches and install a big screen. As a child, Zeeshan loved to copy star cricketers and their style of play. When asked, he used to imitate the batting styles of Saeed Anwar, Brian Lara and Aamir Sohail. Ever­yone used to call him Lara at home.”

Families of Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan and pacer Musa Khan are excited for the HBL PSL matches in Rawalpindi.

Azizullah Khan, father of Shadab Khan, said: “A United match is like an Eid for us. We gather around the TV screen with family and friends. I am very happy that as many as eight HBL PSL matches are being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. I intend to watch a few games at the stadium with my family.

“Shadab is an important member of Pakistan’s national team and it makes me very proud. It was the HBL PSL where Shadab first made an impression and made the selectors and cricket pundits take note of his talent. I am a great admirer and fan of Islamabad United and in the last four seasons I haven’t missed a single match of theirs on TV.”

Saeed Khan, father of Musa Khan, said: “As a kid Musa used to be scared of the cricket ball. One day I handed him the ball and initially he didn’t bat against the fast ball but all that has changed now.”

“I can’t wait to see Musa play at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. I will go to the stadium along with rest of my family members to watch him bowl. I am very proud of him; I hope he makes a big contribution for his team in Rawalpindi as well as across the rest of the HBL PSL 2020 venues.”

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2020