KEY POINTS
- Lahore Qalandars’ Shaheen Afridi and Peshawar Zalmi’s Babar Azam Rally Fans Ahead of Landmark PSL Season 10
- Multan Sultans’ Muhammad Rizwan Emphasizes National Pride as PSL Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary
ISLAMABAD: The captains of all six teams competing in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 have called on the people of Pakistan and cricket enthusiasts worldwide to come together in support of the tournament and to celebrate it as a national triumph.
During a press conference held in Islamabad on Thursday, the team captains expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming season.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, captain of Lahore Qalandars, emphasized the significance of PSL reaching its 10th anniversary, declaring it a cherished event for Pakistan and encouraging everyone to fully engage with it.
Babar Azam, the captain of Peshawar Zalmi, also rallied the fans, urging them to stand by the PSL. He mentioned that the team is carefully crafting a formidable line-up, striving to deliver an impressive performance.
Muhammad Rizwan, captain of Multan Sultans, acknowledged the deep passion Pakistani fans have for cricket and cricketers.
He pointed out that while fans have the right to express their disappointment if results falter, ultimately, a victory for any team is a victory for Pakistan.
Rizwan noted the distinct pressures of international versus local cricket, underscoring the unique challenges faced in each arena.
Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam expressed their pride in the PSL and reaffirmed their commitment to its ongoing development.
Afridi highlighted the league’s inclusive nature, urging both fans and players to wholeheartedly back it. He also pointed to emerging talents like Haris Rauf, showcasing the vibrant energy that new players bring to the competition.
Babar Azam remarked on the balanced composition of each team, blending seasoned veterans with promising newcomers.
He recognized the importance of learning from past setbacks, vowing that adjustments in batting and bowling strategies would lead them to the finals this season.
Captains from Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans addressed the challenges of leadership, emphasizing the need for constant adaptation and growth in response to the pressures they face.
Meanwhile, CEO Salman Naseer celebrated the 10th anniversary of the PSL as a significant milestone, brimming with excitement over the league’s decade-long journey.
He assured fans of a bright future ahead, announcing that this season will feature Urdu commentary for the first time, aiming to enhance viewer engagement and connect with cricket lovers across the nation.
Naseer also noted the increasing integration of modern technology into matches and welcomed constructive feedback as an essential part of the league’s evolution.
The press conference encapsulated a spirited outlook as the PSL embarks on its tenth season—an event poised to honour past accomplishments, embrace innovative technology, and nurture the next generation of cricketing talent in Pakistan.
The six-team tournament will consist of 34 matches, running from April 11 to May 18. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including two Eliminators and the grand final.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches.
The event will also feature three double-headers, two of which will take place on Saturdays and one on Labour Day (May 1).
