PSL 10 Kicks Off with Dazzling Opening Ceremony in Rawalpindi
PSL 10 Kicks Off in Rawalpindi with Star-Studded Opening Amid Challenges On and Off the Field
RAWALPINDI: The landmark tenth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), branded as PSL ‘X’, officially began on Thursday night with a vibrant and star-studded opening ceremony at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The glittering event featured powerful performances by musical legends and popular artists including Abida Parveen, Ali Zafar, Natasha Baig, and rap duo Young Stunners. A packed stadium roared in celebration as Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars clashed in the season opener at 8:30pm.
A Decade of PSL, Amid Turmoil While the PSL celebrates a decade of Pakistan’s premier T20 franchise tournament, this season begins under a cloud of administrative uncertainty within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the national team’s recent struggles. Team owners have also voiced concerns over the league’s progress, raising questions about its future direction.
Tournament Overview
Matches: 34 total, including 3 double-headers
Venues: Lahore (13 matches), Karachi (11), Rawalpindi (11 including the qualifier), Multan
Final: Scheduled for May 18
Prize Money: $500,000 for the winners; $200,000 for runners-up
Parallel Event: The tournament runs alongside the Indian Premier League (IPL), intensifying the competition for viewership.
Unprecedented Security Measures To ensure player and spectator safety, Rawalpindi police have implemented stringent security measures in collaboration with the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies:
5,000 police personnel deployed, including Elite Force and Dolphin Force units
376 traffic police officers to manage mobility
Controlled entry with walk-through gates and full-body searches
Monitoring via Safe City cameras and a special control room
Hotel and transit security includes bomb disposal squads, surveillance vehicles, and mobile jammers
Security arrangements are being overseen by senior officials including Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa and City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani, while Islamabad’s Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi is leading overall coordination.
Despite the underlying tensions within Pakistan cricket, PSL 10 has launched with grandeur and enthusiasm, promising high-octane action for fans. With Rawalpindi playing a central role and security at its highest, cricket will take centre stage once again as teams battle not just for the trophy, but for the league’s enduring legacy.
