KARACHI: The star-studded colourful closing ceremony ahead of the PSL final at the National Stadium on Sunday overwhelmed the emotionally charged crowd.
The ceremony marked the message of peace as Pakistan showed that the nation stands for peace within and without as the stadium echoed with Pakistan Zindabad.
While the match was the main attraction, the PSL had also announced a star-studded line-up for the closing ceremony. The ceremony started at 6:00pm before the toss took place at 7:30pm and the first ball was bowled at 8pm.
The ceremony was kicked off with the address of PakistanCricket Board Chairman Ehsan Mani and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
The ceremony began with a one-minute silence to honour the martyrs of Christchurch terror attack. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called the successful PSL matches as a victory for the people of the city. "We held the final last year. This year we held seven matches. I wish international cricket returns home and it starts from Karachi," he said.
The leading performers who displayed their talent include Abrarul Haq, Aima Baig, Shuja Haider, Fawad Khan and Young Desi with the final performance of the ceremony by the heart-throb Junoon.
The ceremony was hosted by one of the most popular anchors and singers, Karachi’s very own Fakhar-e-Alam.
Spain’s football star Carles Puyol, the special guest at the closing ceremony, appreciated the welcome given by the country. The Barcelona central defender earned 100 international caps and won the Euro 2008 and FIFA World Cup 2010.
"Salam Pakistan. I am very happy to be here. It's my first time here and I am enjoying it a lot. I thought Pakistanis only liked cricket but I have seen they like football a lot also which has made me happy," he said.
The highlight of the event was the evergreen Junoon hitting the stage. Ali Azmat with powerful vocals and Salman Ahmed on guitar entertained the thousands present in the stadium.
The PCB had also planned a spectacular fireworks display, which started after the final ended. Meanwhile, famous personalities gathered at the National Stadium to watch the Pakistan Super League 2019 final match.
Special guest of the evening was President Arif Alvi. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail were also in attendance to watch the exhilarating final. Apart from this, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa and Director General ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor were also seen at the stadium, along with cricketer Shahid Afridi.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ehsan Mani and International Cricket Council Chief Executive Dave Richard were also present. A star-studded ceremony was held before the final match began. Powerful performances were witnessed from the band Junoon, singer Aima Baig and Fawad Khan, who rendered his vocals for the theme song this year.
COAS General Bajwa responded to the slogans of the people. He congratulated all on successful organisation of PSL, especially the Pakistan Cricket Board, all teams, organisers, administration, Pak Rangers Sindh, Sindh Police, LEAs and the people of Karachi.
Quoting the army chief, DG ISPR Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor tweeted, “All praises to Almighty Allah. May Allah Continues his blessings upon Pakistan. Amen!”