The trophy for the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was unveiled on Tuesday at Race Course Park’s Polo Ground in Lahore, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to a press statement from the board, the event was joined by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, franchise shareholders, HBL representatives, and star cricketers.
It stated that this year’s trophy was named the “Orion Trophy” and was crafted of pure silver with a white gold coating.
According to the press release, Naqvi stated that the event “continues to be an achievement for Pakistan cricket”.
“Today, as we reveal this Orion trophy, we look ahead to a month-long appreciation of the wonderful sport of cricket and the anticipation and drama that surrounds it,” he went on to say.
He also wished all of the teams well in the event, adding, “May the winning team lift this great trophy”.
In a news release, Karachi Kings founder Salman Iqbal stated that his team was ready to “turn the tables” in this edition of the competition with “breathtaking performances”.
Atif Rana, Chief Executive Officer of the Lahore Qalandars, expressed his excitement at the prospect of accomplishing a hat-trick of victories for the first time in league history.
The Qalandars prevailed in the last two tournaments.
“We have stacked up our assets for the current campaign as well and seek to hit the floor running in the tournament,” he said, adding that his team would give their all to win the title in Karachi.
Ali Naqvi, the owner of Islamabad United, expressed his excitement for the league’s ninth edition and his desire to prolong Islamabad’s success with a “grand triumph”.
“We have one of the strongest drafts in our history, and some of the most promising players will play for Islamabad United this season. I can’t wait to see the team play at their home ground in Rawalpindi and earn the hearts of the supporters,” he remarked.
Multan Sultans chairman Ali Khan Tareen stated, “A lot has changed between this season and the previous season, and I want to ensure that the Sultans retain continuity in the playoffs this year as well.”
Peshawar Zalmi founder Javed Afridi stated that his Babar Azam-led team was prepared to make an impression in the competition.
“I can assure you that Peshawar Zalmi is going to continue practicing the attacking method of cricket this year as well,” he went on to say.
Quetta Gladiators president Nadeem Omar stated, “We have had our fair share of challenges in recent seasons, but it is time for Gladiators to demonstrate good fight and resolve, and HBL PSL 9 is an appropriate moment to do so.
“We are looking toward taking on all five squads and showing our prowess at all the four venues,” he told reporters.
The ninth edition of the tournament will begin on February 17 in Lahore, featuring two-time victors and the defending champions Lahore Qalandars going on the winners of the 2016 and 2018 editions, Islamabad United.
The six-team tournament will be conducted in four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, with the final on March 18 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
