Pakistan Super League (PSL) is back with its sixth season, which promises to be another exciting one. From February 20 to March 22, Karachi and Lahore will be hosting the latest edition of PSL 2021. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has allowed 20 per cent audience to attend the PSL matches. The opening ceremony of PSL was a star-studded event, which was reportedly recorded in Turkey. Naseebo Lal and Atif Aslam performed along with rapper Imran Khan and Humaima Malik as well as Aima Baig and Young Stunners.
Yesterday’s match at the Karachi’s National Stadium between Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings was quite one-sided given Gladiator’s performance. Karachi Kings’ bowling restricted them to just 121 runs and the Kings had an easy win.
Lahore Qalandars have defeated Peshawar Zalmi with four wickets in hand. Two-time champions Islamabad United will play Multan Sultans later this evening. The viewership last year was around 120 million worldwide. This is no small feat given how big and established other cricketing leagues are, like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash, CPL, etc. The first four seasons of PSL took place mostly in the UAE given the security situation at home and the reluctance of foreign players to play in Pakistan. It is good to see that given the security arrangements made in the last few years, foreign players’ confidence has been restored.
Credit must be given to former PCB Chairman Najam Sethi for making PSL materialise in the first place. Sethi’s efforts led to the league taking off in such a big way. The new management has done well to continue the tradition with zeal. All the teams look super fine on paper and we will surely get to see some remarkable performances in the 34-match extravaganza. Some amazing talent has come out and also been groomed due to playing in the PSL. May the best team clinch the cup!
