The ninth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) kicks off on February 17th, igniting a month of cricketing frenzy for fans around the world. The opening match at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore features a thrilling clash between last year’s finalists, Lahore Qalandars, and Islamabad United. This exciting double-header marks the beginning of a 34-match tournament spread across four Pakistani cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
Lahore will hold the grand opening ceremony, promising a dazzling spectacle with renowned artists and a mesmerizing fireworks display. This year holds further significance as Gaddafi Stadium, the PCB’s headquarters, hosts its first HBL PSL opening ceremony.
Matches will be played according to a unique schedule, catering to both cricket passion and Ramadan observances. During the holy month, matches will begin at 9pm PKT to accommodate fasting fans.
Each team promises an electrifying display with strong squads and ambitious aspirations. Shadab Khan, captain of Islamabad United, vows to bring home the trophy with the help of key players like Imad Wasim and the Shah brothers. Karachi Kings captain Shan Masood highlights the rebuilding process and the significance of playing in their home city.
Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi seeks a hat-trick of titles, backed by their passionate fan base. Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan praises his team’s consistency and hopes for continued success, while Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam emphasizes their well-rounded squad. Quetta Gladiators captain Rilee Rossouw aims for victory, knowing they favor the conditions in Karachi and Lahore.
Here is what captain of each team has to say
Shadab Khan – Islamabad United
“I have been captain of Islamabad United for the last four seasons and I want to lift the trophy for my team this season. The additions of Imad Wasim and the Shah brothers are a huge boost for the franchise. Faheem Ashraf and Azam Khan are two vital cogs in our team. I want my team to stand tall in high-pressure games and get over the line. We have evaluated our mistakes from the last season and are looking forward to executing our plans aptly this time around.”
Shan Masood – Karachi Kings
“To represent and lead my hometown team Karachi in the HBL PSL is such a huge honour. It is a rebuilding process for Karachi Kings, where we are looking to build a core group of young players who can serve the franchise for the next five years. We have a great chance to do well given the last part of the tournament is set to take place in Karachi.”
Shaheen Shah Afridi – Lahore Qalandars
“I am genuinely excited to be leading Lahore Qalandars for the third consecutive season in HBL PSL and the hunt for a hat-trick of titles makes me eager to do well. We are eying a third HBL PSL win this time and I can assure you that my team will show the same intensity as we have done in the past two seasons. Lahore Qalandars are proud of having a strong fan base and our games in Lahore are going to be jam-packed.”
Mohammad Rizwan – Multan Sultans
“HBL PSL is a world-class league and we are all proud to be a part of this league. Multan’s pacers and emerging players have dominated the previous two seasons and that is one of the reasons of Sultans doing well consistently. This season we have got a strong squad as well and will look to maintain the standards.
“Multan crowds have given us a lot of love over the last two seasons and hopefully, they will again support us with the same enthusiasm this year.”
Babar Azam – Peshawar Zalmi
“Peshawar Zalmi has been one of the most exciting sides in HBL PSL history and with our current squad we are well poised to emerge as champions in this season. Some of the players are highly talented and gifted in our bowling and batting departments which gives Zalmi an edge over other teams.”
Rilee Rossouw – Quetta Gladiators
“The opportunity to lead a side in HBL PSL doesn’t come around often and it is such an honour for me. My expectation this season is to obviously win the HBL PSL 9. As a side, we will try to make it a high-performance arena. I think conditions in Karachi and Lahore will suit Quetta Gladiators and that is where we will look to bag the most points.
Each team boasts a 20-member squad strengthened by strategic picks. Islamabad United features international stars like Alex Hales, Colin Munro, and Faheem Ashraf. Karachi Kings have brought in James Vince, Kieron Pollard, and Shoaib Malik.
Lahore Qalandars rely on Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shai Hope, while Multan Sultans showcase Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, and Reeza Hendricks. Peshawar Zalmi includes Asif Ali, Rovman Powell, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Quetta Gladiators feature Jason Roy, Mohammad Amir, and Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Here is complete list of PSL 9 squads
Islamabad United
Shadab Khan (captain), Alex Hales, Azam Khan, Colin Munro, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Jordan Cox, Matthew Forde, Mohammad Waseem, Naseem Shah, Obed McCoy, Qasim Akram, Rumman Raees, Salman Ali Agha, Shahab Khan and Tymal Mills
Emerging: Hunain Shah, Shamyl Hussain and Ubaid Shah
Karachi Kings
Shan Masood (captain), Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Blessing Muzarabani, Daniel Sams, Hassan Ali, James Vince, Kieron Pollard, Leus Du Plooy, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shoaib Malik and Tabraiz Shamsi
Emerging: Fawad Ali, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Rohid, Saad Baig and Sirajuddin
Lahore Qalandars
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti, Dan Lawrence, David Wiese, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Lorcan Tucker, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Rassie van der Dussen, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Fayyaz, Shai Hope, Sikandar Raza and Zaman Khan
Emerging: Jahandad Khan, Syed Faridoun Mahmood and Tayyab Abbas
Multan Sultans
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abbas Afridi, Aftab Ibrahim, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Dawid Malan, Iftikhar Ahmad, Ihsanullah, Johnson Charles, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Olly Stone, Reeza Hendricks, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir and Usman Khan
Emerging: Faisal Akram, Mohammad Shahzad and Yasir Khan
Peshawar Zalmi
Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Arif Yaqoob, Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Daniel Mousley, Luke Wood, Mohammad Haris, Paul Walter, Rovman Powell, Saim Ayub, Salman Irshad, Sufyan Muqeem, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Umair Afridi and Waqar Salamkheil
Emerging: Aimal Khan, Haseebullah Khan, Mehran Mumtaz and Mohammad Zeeshan
Quetta Gladiators
Rilee Rossouw (captain), Abrar Ahmad, Bismillah Khan, Jason Roy, Laurie Evans, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Omair bin Yousuf, Sajjad Ali Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmad, Saud Shakeel, Sherfane Rutherford, Sohail Khan, Umar Amin, Usman Qadir, Usman Tariq and Will Smeed
Emerging: Adil Naz and Khawaja Mohammad Nafay
Fans worldwide can enjoy the action through various broadcast and live-streaming channels. HBL PSL will be telecast live on A Sports and Ten Sports in Pakistan, with streaming available on Snack Video, Tapmad, and Mayco. TransGroup FZE holds broadcast and live-streaming rights for international regions, with partners like Fox Sports (Australia), Fancode (India), and T Sports (Bangladesh).
Here is complete list of PSL 9 broadcasting and live stream partners
| Region | Broadcast Partner | Live Streaming Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | A Sports (HD), Ten Sports | Walee Technologies (Snack Video, Tapmad, Tamasha, Mayco, Begin.Watch) |
| Outside Pakistan | TransGroup FZE (Fox Sports – Australia, Fancode – India, T Sports – Bangladesh, Willow TV – North America, Flow Sports – Caribbean, Geo News UK – United Kingdom FTA, Sky Sports – Pay TV & Digital United Kingdom, Sky Sport NZ – New Zealand, Super Sport – sub-Saharan Africa, Cricbuzz and Cricbuzz TV on Evision & STARZPLAY – MENA, Sports Central – YouTube and Facebook – Rest of the World) |
To elevate the viewing experience, the tournament will utilize high-definition cameras, including the buggy cam, capturing on-field action in detail. Spidercam will offer dynamic angles and conduct on-field interviews, while DRS technology ensures fair officiating. Drone cameras will further enhance the viewing experience by providing unique perspectives.
With high-quality cricket, electrifying team rivalries, and immersive viewing experiences, HBL PSL 9 promises to be an unforgettable cricketing experience for fans worldwide. So, get ready for a month of enthralling contests, nail-biting finishes, and the ultimate battle for the coveted HBL PSL trophy!
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