The Pakistan Super League’s one decade anniversary season (PSL X) starts on Friday (today) in Rawalpindi Stadium, with anticipation at an all-time high, Nouba News team reported.
Defending champions Islamabad United and long time rivals Lahore Qalandars will square off in what ought to be an exciting opening match that sets the tone for an hotly contested tournament. In what promises to be one of the most thrilling Pakistan Super League seasons ever, both sides are full of hope and confidence and are all set to outperform each other.
Though upbeat due to their last season’s victory, Islamabad United is not letting anything get to their head. The explosive all-rounder leader Shadab Khan expressed confidence in his team’s capacity and desire for victory.
“We are fully geared up to raise the bar even higher this season. After winning the title last year, we carefully evaluated our gaps and have made some smart additions. I believe this is our most balanced and explosive team yet,” said Shadab Khan.
Australia’s Ben Dwarshuis, a great left-arm pacer who is known to consistently reach speeds of more than 150 km/h, is one of the season’s noteworthy additions. His raw speed and hard style might change the course of United’s game. The addition of Australian superstar Darcy Short has greatly bolstered the team further.
Lahore Qalandars, on the other side, are not just going to play catch-up. With a side they think can take on any side on their day, Qalandars are all set to turn years of hard preparation into a win.
Daryl Mitchell is with the Qalandars, adding power to the middle order with his knack for reliability with the bat and keeping strong under pressure.
A star srudded opening ceremony before the beginning of playing on Friday will mark the start of this historic edition. PSL X is set to run from April 11 till May 18. The 34-match tournament has three-double headers set for April 12, 1 and May 10, while the remaining ones will be single headers held in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. The three-afternoon matches will begin at 4pm PST.
The six sides will also be butting heads to take home the $500,000 prize money set for the winners. At the same time the runners-up side will be awarded $200,000. Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, is due to host 13 matches which include the qualifier, elimination matches, and the May 18 final. Pindi Stadium will host 11 matches, on the other hand, Multan Stadium lastly National Stadium Karachi will witness five PSL X clashes each this season.
Babar Azam will be captaining the PSL 2017 champions, Peshawar Zalmi. Australia’s David Warner is now the fourth overseas player to captain the 2020 champions Karachi Kings.
Babar said: “This season we are focusing on what we missed out in the last couple of editions and not repeating the same mistakes. We have strengthened our core on both the bowling and batting front so that we don’t struggle at any stage of the game.”
Karachi Kings vice-captain Hasan revealed “in HBL PSL X we intend to play with aggression early on as powerplay is the key to increasing your chances of winning.”
Rizwan said . “Whoever wins the tournament will be a success for this country as the league has entered the 10th edition.”
Gladiators’ Saud stated: “The last few seasons haven’t been good for Quetta, and like all other teams, we have tried our best to assemble a quality squad. We look forward to playing well and entertaining the fans this time around.”
Shadab wen to say that Islamabad United was thrilled to play five home games at the Rawalpindi Stadium this time around and they looked forward to not just doing well in front of their fans but to give it their all out. “You will get to see a different Islamabad United outfit this season.”
Shaheen said: “One of the key goals for Lahore Qalandars throughout the HBL PSL has been developing and producing quality players, and we will stick to that goal in the 10th edition of the league as well.”
Follow Nouba News for more updates about the tournament as it progresses.