PSL3 opening ceremony concludes with lights, colours and Abida Parveen’s magic

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Web Desk
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Lights, camera, and action! The third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) commenced in Dubai amid glitz and glamour on Thursday.

Before defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and debutants Multan Sultans got the cricket action rolling, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium lit up to host a star-studded opening ceremony to usher in the tournament.

The opening ceremony kicked-off with a spectacular performance of star singer Ali Zafar was followed by the entry of the PSL teams in the stadium.

The ceremony was hosted by Hareem Farooq and Bilal Ashraf.  

Entrance of teams 

Abida Parveen 

Legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen spread the magic of her voice in front of thousands of fans at the opening ceremony. 

American singer, songwriter, and dancer Jason Derulo created an electric atmosphere at the Dubai stadium with his irresistible beats.

The fan-favourite voice behind the beloved PSL anthems, Ali Zafar, marked the night with his vocals. And the most awaited performance? His latest PSL anthem ‘Dil Se Jaan Laga De’, of course!

Pop icon and rights activist Shehzad Roy rocked the stage with his trademark style and performance.

Aside from the musical performances, the big night will also be marked by an extensive display of fireworks and other extravanganza.

Sethi vows to bring all PSL matches to Pakistan

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman PCB Najam Sethi expressed his determination to bring all the matches of the tournament to Pakistan in the next few years.

He said PSL was growing and it would continue to grow further in the years to come.

“We are having three matches in Pakistan this year. InshaAllah, very soon we will have the entire tournament being held in Pakistan with cities like Multan, Peshawar and Pindi hosting games along with Lahore and Karachi,” said the PCB chairman .

He further said that people from all over the world had joined PSL to make it a successful event. “We have over 100 people from different countries including cricketers, umpires, officials and other stakeholders working to make PSL bigger and bigger,” he said.

There was some action even before the opening ceremony. Peshawar Zalmi roped in TV comedy icon Kapil Sharma for an interactive session with the fans titled ‘Zalmi Night with Kapil Sharma'.

The PSL opening ceremony was followed by the first match of the tournament, Peshawar Zalmi vs debutantes Multan Sultans, at 10 PM.

Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators face-off against each other in their first game of the tournament on Friday at 16:30 PST, while Multan Sultans play their second match against Lahore Qalandars at 21:00 PST.

The tournament will continue throughout the months of February and March, with the final to be held in Karachi on March 25.