Sports Desk
LAHORE: The trophy for the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was unveiled at the Polo Ground of Race Course Park in Lahore on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.
A press release issued by the board said the ceremony was attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, franchise owners, HBL representatives and star cricketers.
It said that this year’s trophy was called the “Orion Trophy”, adding that it was made from pure silver and coated in white gold.
The press release quoted Naqvi as saying that the tournament “continues to be a success story for Pa-kistan cricket”.
“Today, as we unveil this Orion trophy, we look forward to a month-long celebration of the beautiful game of cricket and the excitement and drama that accompanies it,” he said.
He also wished all the teams best of luck for the tournament, saying, “May the best team lift this pres-tigious trophy”.
Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal said in the press release that his side was ready to “turn the tables” in this edition of the tournament with their “breathtaking performances”.
Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Officer Atif Rana said that he was eagerly looking forward to com-pleting a hat-trick of triumphs for the first time in the history of the league.
The Qalandars have won the last two editions of the tournament.
“We have stacked up our resources this season as well and aim to hit the ground running in the tour-nament,” he said, adding that his side would put in all their efforts to lift the trophy in Karachi.
Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi said he was excited about the ninth edition of the league and was excited to extend Islamabad’s success with a “grand triumph”.
“We had one of the best drafts in our history and some of the most exciting players will be lining up for Islamabad United this season. I can’t wait to watch the team play at the home ground in Rawalpindi and win the hearts of the fans,” he said.
Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen said: “A lot has happened between this season and the past season and I want to make sure that the Sultans maintain consistency in their performances this year as well.”
Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi said that his Babar Azam-led side was ready to make their mark in the tournament.
“I promise you that Peshawar Zalmi will continue to play the attacking style of cricket this year as well,” he said.
Quetta Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar said: “We have had our fair share of struggles in the recent seasons but it is about time that Gladiators showcase good fight and determination and HBL PSL 9 is a befitting time to be doing that.
“We are looking forward to taking on all five teams and proving our mettle at all the four venues,” he said.
The ninth edition of the tournament will begin from February 17 in Lahore, with two-time winners and defending champions Lahore Qalandars taking on winners of the 2016 and 2018 editions Islamabad United.
It will be played in four cities — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi — with the final of the six-team tournament taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18.
