PSL 7 kicks off with colourful opening ceremony

Wait is over for the cricket lovers as the most anticipated festivity of Pakistan Super League 7 has been started at Karachi National Stadium at 6:30 pm with colourful inaugural ceremony. 

This is the third time that an opening ceremony is being held in Karachi. The National Stadium had also played host to the opening ceremony for the 2021 edition.

The ceremony, which was being attended by a 25 per cent crowd to fill the stands, was opened with the national anthem of Pakistan. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja welcomed the players, support staff and guests at the start of the ceremony.

The inaugural ceremony was started with the short documentry of Pakistani cricket history and briefed about the national hero in the cricket.  

A paragliding show — with three international paragliders — has also been broadcasted for the spectators. While paragliders will also demonstrate landing acts for the cricket lovers.

Later, leading singer Atif Aslam and Aima Baig performed at the inaugural ceremony as well as entertained the crowd in the opening ceremony while fireworks have also shown in the opening show.

Singers Atif Aslam and Aima Baig tuned up the heat on a cold Karachi evening by performing this year's anthem 'Agay Dekh'.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's special message to PSL teams was also played during the ceremony, followed by a vibrant fireworks display.

وزیراعظم @ImranKhanPTI کا PSL کے حوالے سے پیغام #LevelHai pic.twitter.com/wIQvbACBC3

— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 25, 2022

The ceremony will be followed by a match between defending champions Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam will lead the Kings while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is the captain for Sultans.

It’s Karachi vs Multan.
Babar vs Rizwan.
The opening match of the #HBLPSL7

Predictions? #LevelHai l #KKvMS pic.twitter.com/0NlNBoSIOp

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 27, 2022

In the first inaugural game of the tournament, the host Karachi Kings will face the defending champions Multan Sultan at 8pm. The leg is divided into two parts, Karachi will host the 1st leg while the second leg matches will be played in the iconic Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

Karachi Kings superstar pacer Mohammad Amir was also ruled out of the opening game against Multan Sultans as the 29-year-old pacer suffered a side strain. As per the reports, Amir will be available for the next game.

On the other hand, Sindh police issued a security plan for Karachi in connection with the PSL 7 matches scheduled to commence on January 27 (tomorrow) and continue till February 7 in the city.

“Overall around 5,650 personnel of Karachi police will perform security duty during the PSL 7,” according to a notification issued in this regard.

According to spokesman for DIGP Security and Emergency Services Division, around 5650 personnel in total will be deployed for the security.

Around 1700 personnel of Security Division including 1200 Special Security Unit (SSU) Commandos, 1500 personnel of Traffic Police, 500 personnel of Special Branch, 250 personnel of Rapid Response Force (RRF) and personnel of Sindh Rangers will perform security duties along-with personnel from other law enforcement agencies at National Stadium Karachi, practice grounds, Karachi Airport, routes, hotels and other different areas, while sharp shooters will also be deployed at sensitive points.

A specialized command and control bus will also be stationed at National Stadium to monitor law and order situation in surroundings of the stadium. While, aerial surveillance will also be made during movement of the teams.

Moreover, Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T) team comprising highly trained and well equipped commandos including lady commandos will remain alert at SSU Headquarters as quick response force to challenge any emergency situation.

It has been decided for the convenience of public that all roads will remain open for the commuters except one track of Sir Shah Suleman road. Spectators will be transported from parking points to the stadium via shuttle bus service.

To assist the spectators, they will thoroughly be guided and assisted from parking points to the enclosure by the SSU commandos attired in tracksuits. The following parking points have been allocated for the spectators coming to the National Stadium;

a) Hakeem Saeed Ground at University Road near Bait ul Mukarram Masjid.

b) China Ground adjacent to National Coaching Centre (For VIPs only).

CNG-run vehicles are strictly prohibited inside the stadium premises.

Special instructions for spectators:

Fans can purchase match tickets by visiting any of the designated M&P stores across Pakistan or by visiting cricket.bookme.pk.

Every visitor must bring his/her CNIC at the venue to prove their identity.

Make sure you reach the stadium early to avoid waiting in long queues.

Individuals above the age of 12 years must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Valid vaccination certificates must be shown at the time gaining access to the stadium.

Wearing mask is a must for everyone who is entering the stadium.

Anyone violating the NCOC guidelines shall be liable to be evicted out of the stadium

Any firearms, toy guns, explosives, firecrackers, cigarettes, matchboxes, lighters, any sharp edge materials like knives and metal/wooden clubs are not allowed inside the stadium.

Any banner/poster/placard displaying discrimination or obscene remarks on the grounds of race, religion or ethnicity are strictly forbidden.

Spectators are not allowed to throw any objects on the ground and on the performers and fellow spectators.