PSL-9 opener: Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United to lock horns today

Lahore: Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United are all set to face each other Saturday at 8:00pm in Qaddafi Stadium Lahore for the first match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) ninth season.

The preparations for the match at the stadium have been completed. The players and officials of the Lahore and Islamabad teams will reach the venue.

Strict security arrangements have been made in the stadium and surrounding areas, more than 900 security personnel have been deployed at Gaddafi Stadium to perform security duties for today’s match.

Before the match, the tournament will start with a colorful opening ceremony in which famous artistes of the country will perform their art while fireworks and laser show will also be organized for the fans.

The opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League will begin at 06:30pm at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Entry of cricket fans will start at 03:30pm. Singers Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, Arif Lohar and Noori will perform in the opening ceremony.

On the other hand, players from different countries around the world have joined their team, while the teams say that they are fully prepared to hit the ground.

Squads

Lahore Qalandars

Abdullah Shafique, Dan Lawrence, Fakhar Zaman, Mirza Tahir Baig, Rassie van der Dusse, Sahidbzada Farhan, Ahsan Bhatti, David Wiese, Jahandad Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Sikandar Raza, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Shai Hope (wk), Haris Rauf, Mohammad Imran, Salman Fayyaz, Shaheren Afridi (c), Syed Faridoun, Tayyab Abbas and Zaman Khan.

Islamabad United

Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Haider Ali, Muhammad Waseem, Shamyl Hussain, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Qasim Akram, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Jordan Cox (wk), Hunain Shah, Matthew Forde, Naseem Shah, Obed McCoy, Rumman Raees, Shahab Khan, Tymal Mills and Ubaid Shah.

It is pertinent to note that in PSL-9, 34 matches will be played between six teams in two phases, while the final of the event will be played on March 18 in Karachi.