PSL 9 kicks off amid stunning opening ceremony

The much-anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine began with a star-studded opening ceremony at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.

Cricket fans in Lahore and all around the world saw spectacular performances by different artists and one of the major attractions was the performances of the singers, Ali Zafar and Aima Baig, of the PSL 9 anthem.

The fans were also treated to performances by the renowned musician Arif Lohar and the band 'Noori' while the event commenced with Natasha Baig and Leo Twins' soulful rendition of the national anthem and laser show.

Gates had opened for spectators at 3:30pm, with the ceremony kicking off at 630 pm.

It must be noted that PSL 9 will be held in four cities — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi — with the final of the event taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18.

Like the previous edition, the PSL 9 will take place in two legs with Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting 14 matches between them from February 17 to 27.

The action then moves to Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where 16 matches will be held from February 28 to March 12. The event will then move to Karachi in its entirety for the playoffs.

A highly anticipated clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings is scheduled for 24 February and 9 March. Gaddafi Stadium will host the February 24 encounter, while the National Bank Stadium will be the venue for the Qalandars and Kings match on March 9.

Teams like Kings, Qalandars, Sultans, and United will play five matches at their respective home grounds, while Peshawar Zalmi will play four matches at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Quetta Gladiators, on the other hand, will play three matches each in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with one match at Multan Cricket Stadium against the home side Sultans on February 25.