Lahore (Web Desk/Agencies): Named after a constellation and representing stars of the marquee event, the HBL PSL 9 Orion trophy was unveiled at the sprawling Polo ground fields at the Race Course Park in Punjab’s capital, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Tuesday.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, franchise owners, HBL representatives and star cricketers attended the ceremony.
"This year’s trophy is called the “Orion Trophy”, the PCB stated, adding that it is made from pure silver and coated in white gold.
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Addressing the opening ceremony, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hailed the fact that HBL PSL continues to be a success story for Pakistan cricket, adding that he looked forward to a month-long celebration of the beautiful game of cricket and the excitement and drama that accompanies it.
“I would like to thank the title sponsor of the league HBL, they truly have uplifted the game of cricket in our country through their support and have become synonymous with the name of the league. All the successes over the past eight years are a testament to HBL’s commitment to the Pakistan Super League,” he added.
Owner of Islamabad United, Ali Naqvi, said that they are excited about the ninth edition of the PSL.
“Islamabad United has been one of the most successful teams in the tournament and we want to extend that with a grand triumph this season,” he said.
Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal said that his players are ready to turn the tables in the PSL season 9 with their breathtaking performances.
“A strong Karachi Kings means a strong and exciting HBL PSL and we’ll prove it this time around,” he said.
Lahore Qalandars’ CEO Atif Rana said that as the two-time PSL champions, we are eagerly looking forward to completing a hat-trick of triumphs for the first time in the history of the league.
Multan Sultans’ owner Ali Khan Tareen said he was super glad to be a part of the HBL PSL again.
“It is such an exciting venture to be a part of as it spreads smiles on the faces of many people across the country. A lot has happened between this season and the past season and I want to make sure that the Sultans maintain consistency in their performances this year as well,” Tareen said.
Chairman of Peshawar Zalmi Javed Afridi said he is glad that the ninth edition of the HBL PSL is finally here and the Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi are ready to make a mark in the tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, Quetta Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar said that Orion Trophy has been unveiled and this occasion is no less a motivation for team Quetta to roar in the PSL 9.
“We have had our fair share of struggles in the recent seasons but it is about time that Gladiators showcase good fight and determination and PSL 9 is a befitting time to be doing that.
“We are looking forward to taking on all five teams and proving our mettle at all the four venues,” the Quetta Gladiators owner said.
