PSL opening ceremony: Who will perform at star-studded event?

The star-studded opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League's (PSL) ninth edition is set to kick off at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium today as fans gear up for the cricket showdown featuring local and international players.

With the spectators allowed to enter the stadium by 3:30pm, the opening ceremony's festivities, starring Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, Noori, Arif Lohar, Leo Twins and Natasha Baig, will commence at 6:30pm.

The event will also feature a grand display of fireworks and a laser show as the city is set to host its first-ever PSL opening ceremony.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the ceremony also signifies the start of a nearly four-week cricketing extravaganza. With top international and Pakistani players with the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Rilee Rossouw, Kieron Pollard and others vying for glory, the tournament promises nail-biting matches as witnessed by fans in the tournament's previous editions.

PSL 9 will be played in four cities with Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi to host 34 matches of the marquee event.

As per the details, Lahore stadium will host nine matches, which includes Qalandars playing five matches on their home turf.

The picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium will host five matches – all Multan Sultans fixtures. Lahore and Multan will host the first leg of the league from 17 to 27 February before action moves to Karachi and Rawalpindi.

Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi will host nine matches from March 2 to 10 with United featuring in five matches. Peshawar Zalmi will play four of their 10 matches in Rawalpindi, while Quetta Gladiators will play three matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Karachi’s National Bank Stadium will host 11 matches including the grand finale on March 18. The home side Karachi Kings will play a minimum of five matches at the venue, while Gladiators will get to play at least three matches at the stadium.