Pakistan’s T20 cricket league kickstarts in Dubai tomorrow
Dubai, 3 February, 2016: With power-packed cricket action ready to take place, the winning team of the first ever HBL Pakistan Super League will win The Shooting Star - a specially designed trophy by Swarovski.
The Shooting Star was unveiled today in a ceremony attended by Mr. Najam Sethi, Chairman PSL Governing Council, Mr. Naveed Asghar, Chief Marketing Officer HBL, Mr.Andrew Mojica, Managing Director, Swarovski Middle East. The star-studded press conference saw the Shooting Star being unveiled by Wasim Akram, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali and Shoaib Malik. Also present were the five team owners – Salman Iqbal, Javed Afridi, Nadeem Omar, Fawad Rana and Aamer Zaidi.
"HBL Pakistan Super League is proud to collaborate with Swarovski - a leading global brand - for the tournament trophies. The Shooting Star carries huge symbolic value since it is the first winning trophy of the tournament and it encapsulates the spirit of our League. Our story is a story of hope and positivity and The Shooting Star is a perfect depiction of this spirit," said Mr. Najam Sethi.
Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Mr. Naveed Asghar from HBL said: " HBL is pleased to partner with the Pakistan Super League and we are delighted that Swarovski has designed the trophy for the first ever HBL PSL."
Andrew Mojica, Managing Director, Swarovski Middle East shared his enthusiasm about the arrangement: "We are delighted that the HBL Pakistan Super League has chosen our Shooting Star trophy for the tournament, hopefully this is the first of many collaborations to come.”
Following the trophy unveiling, Wasim Akram, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Azhar Ali spoke to the media.
Peshawar Zalmi captain Shahid Afridi announced that Javed Afridi, the Peshawar Zalmi owner, will pay for the entry of every Zalmi fan wearing the team’s shirt. Sharing his thoughts, Afridi said: “This will be a great platform for young players to showcase their talent at a global stage!”
Former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram, Director Cricket of Islamabad United, said: “It has taken a long time for this to happen but I am glad that we have our own T20 league. Pakistanis will own this product proudly and I urge the fans to come to the stadium as they will see some exciting cricket.”
Artists Sean Paul and Ali Zafar also spoke to the media as they visited the stadium one day before they take Dubai by storm with their performances.
“I am very excited to perform at the HBL PSL opening ceremony. As a kid, I used to play cricket and it’s a great feeling to be associated with cricket in this manner. Sports and music have a unique connecion and I am glad to be here,” said Sean Paul.
Ali Zafar shared his excitement about the League: “I have planned a special performance for the opening ceremony and I am sure that the HBL PSL will be a huge success. Don’t miss the fun if you are in Dubai!”
HBL Pakistan Super League is bringing 24 action-packed cricket games to Dubai and Sharjah from 4 - 23 February 2016. The tournament starts with a dazzling opening ceremony including performances by Sean Paul, Ali Zafar and Sanam Saeed. Fans can get their tickets online at kyazoonga.ae/psl or they can visit branches of Al Fardan Exchange, AJ Sports, Karachi Darbar, TCS, Sindh Punjab, Kulcha King, Tandoori Junction, Barbecue Delights and Delhi Nihari.
