HBL PSL begins with glittering opening ceremony

KARACHI: The fourth edition of HBL Pakistan Super League got off to a glitzy start even as American rapper Pitbull pulled out of the opening ceremony hours before it began at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday night.

Defending champions Islamabad United took on Lahore Qalandars in the opening match of the T20 league’s fourth edition that would be held in four centres including Sharjah, Lahore and Karachi. The league will conclude with the finale at Karachi’s National Stadium on March 17.

The opening game was preceded by an action-packed, star-studded opening ceremony in Dubai. However, the biggest star – Pitbull – was missing with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announcing that he will be unable to perform on Thursday evening following a technical issue to his plane which was scheduled to transport him into Dubai.

According to a media release issued by the Board, PCB, along with Pitbull’s management, explored all possible alternate options to transport the team from the stranded airport in Dominica. Unfortunately, the sheer length of the travel required to Dubai did not permit on time arrival for the performance.

Pitbull, in a video message to all his fans in Pakistan and UAE, offered his regrets and said he was looking forward to performing in Dubai.“Obviously, we are sad that Pitbull will not be performing tonight due to no fault of his own. We spoke with him a few times yesterday, and he was devastated as he was looking forward to performing at the opening ceremony.

“The HBL PSL opening ceremony will proceed as planned as it also includes a wide array of top artists. A colorful futuristic extravaganza for Thursday evening has been planned, which will be one of the highlights of the event. The PCB believes the cricket fans will enjoy the evening and play their part in making the event a success,” the PCB said.

Meanwhile, thirty-four high drama matches will be played in the PSL — eight in Pakistan including the final — with Islamabad United as defending champions of the six-team competition. The other five teams are Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalanadars.

The Dubai stadium was adorned with huge banners of all six franchises with an iconic stage the focus of a capacity crowd. The ceremony opened with the national anthem of Pakistan as everyone stood up in respect.

Former captain Ramiz Raja, the voice of Pakistan cricket, acted as the host of the function as he called upon the fans at the stadium and around the world to be ready for the start of the HBL PSL.

PCB chairman Ehsan Mani welcomed the teams, fans, viewers and all those who are involved in the staging of the yearly carnival of cricket.“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the opening ceremony of the HBL Pakistan Super League,” said Mani.

“I wish the teams the best of luck as they start their journey towards winning the title.” Mani’s speech was followed by the marching of the famous band that played Europe’s The Final Countdown — famous of the 1992 World Cup, an event that Pakistan won under the inspirational leadership of Imran Khan, now the Prime Minister of the country.