KARACHI: The wait for cricket fans is about to end as the thrilling seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League begins on Thursday (tomorrow) at the prestigious National Stadium in Karachi, with defending champions Multan Sultans taking on 2020 champions Karachi Kings. A curtain-raiser opening ceremony.
Babar Azam, who holds the record for most T20I wins as captain in a calendar year with 20 in 2021 and was crowned ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year, will lead Karachi Kings, while Mohammad Rizwan, more than First batsman to score. 1,000 T20I runs in a calendar year, will lead Multan Sultans.
'Multan Sultan can prove to be tough opposition'
Babar Azam said in a statement, “I am very excited to lead the Karachi Kings this season. This is the first time I will be captaining the PSL and I am looking forward to it.
“There are always a lot of eyes on the first match of the tournament and Multan Sultans can prove to be a tough opposition. I am sure fans will get to witness an exciting competition,” he said.
"Peter Moors is a seasoned coach and I have had fruitful discussions with him. Karachi Kings will display good, competitive cricket this season," said Babar Azam.
Mohammad Rizwan pledges to save PSL title
Meanwhile, defending captain Mohammad Rizwan has said that the team has everything it needs to retain the trophy.
He added: “We have the full potential to defend our PSL title and we will go into the field tomorrow with the same mindset. This season will present us with new challenges and we have to plan accordingly.
“Babar Azam is an amazing batsman and captain, and his leadership will certainly have a good impact on Karachi Kings. I hope HBL PSL 7 starts off with a great fight between both the sides."
25% crowd attendance for Karachi-leg matches
As per the directive of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the seating capacity for all matches in Karachi has been reduced to 25%, while a decision on the spectators in Lahore is yet to come. The health and safety protocols for this version are available here
On the second match day on Friday, Quetta Gladiators will play Peshawar Zalmi with the match starting at 2 pm (Pakistan Standard Time), while Lahore Qalandars and Karachi will play Multan Sultans on Saturday on the third match day. Kings clash with Quetta Gladiators.
The Lahore Qalandars, captained by young Shaheen Shah Afridi, who have risen up a stratosphere in international cricket since their debut in 2018, will hope that the change in leadership will turn their fortunes around and clinch the illustrious trophy.
Islamabad United is headed by Shadab Khan. Sarfaraz Ahmed, who is the only player to lead his side in all the editions, will lead his Gladiators from Quetta, while Peshawar Zalmi will be led by Wahab Riaz.
The National Stadium will host the first 15 matches until February 7, before action resumes in Lahore, where the Gaddafi Stadium, home of Pakistan cricket, will stage the final 19 matches from February 10-27.