The much-anticipated 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to begin today (Friday) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. For the first time in PSL history, Rawalpindi will host the grand opening ceremony of Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament.

 

Following the colourful opening ceremony, the tournament will commence with the first match between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars.

 

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7 PM. The event will feature legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen, along with performances by Ali Zafar and the popular rap duo Young Stunners. The official anthem singers, including Abrar-ul-Haq, Natasha Baig, Talha Anjum, and Ali Zafar, will also entertain the audience with a live performance. The ceremony will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.

 

After the opening ceremony, defending champions Islamabad United will face two-time title winners Lahore Qalandars in the first match of the season at 8:30 PM.

 

The six-team tournament will be played across four cities: Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, and Multan. The final match is scheduled for May 18 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

 

A total of 34 matches will be played from April 11 to May 18. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including two eliminators and the grand final. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the first qualifier on May 13. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches.

 

The tournament will also feature three double-header match days, two of which are scheduled for Saturdays, while the third will be played on Labor Day (May 1).

 

Top Pakistani cricketers will be leading their respective franchises in this edition of PSL. Babar Azam will captain Peshawar Zalmi, Shadab Khan will lead Islamabad United, Mohammad Rizwan will be in charge of Multan Sultans, and Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain Lahore Qalandars. Meanwhile, Karachi Kings will be led by Australian batter David Warner, while Saud Shakeel will captain Quetta Gladiators.

 

The PCB has officially announced the prize money for PSL 10. The champion team will not only lift the prestigious ‘Luminara Trophy’ but will also receive a grand cash prize of $500,000. The runner-up team will be awarded $200,000.

 

With a star-studded lineup, exciting venues, and high stakes, PSL 10 promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.