Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Rawalpindi pulsed with energy as the tenth chapter of the HBL Pakistan Super League unfolded on Thursday evening, celebrating a full decade of high-octane T20 cricket that has now become a staple of the country's sporting calendar.
A dazzling opening night at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium blended music, nostalgia, and anticipation, setting the stage for the weeks to come.
The launch was marked by a powerhouse lineup of performers, with the legendary Abida Parveen casting her soulful spell over the crowd, followed by the electric energy of Ali Zafar, the dynamic Natasha Baig, and the ever-popular rap sensations, Young Stunners.
Their performances ignited the spirit of the league, a perfect overture to what’s expected to be a fiercely competitive season.
Later that night, it was time for action under the floodlights as Islamabad United locked horns with Lahore Qalandars in the opening clash, scheduled for an 8:30 PM start.
While the matchup promised fireworks, it was the significance of this tenth edition that added a layer of pride to proceedings, particularly in a year when Pakistan cricket finds itself navigating choppy waters.
Rawalpindi isn’t just hosting the opening match—it’s a central hub this season, set to stage 11 games, the most it has ever held since the PSL's inception.
The tournament runs through to May 18, carving out its own space despite overlapping with the globally dominant Indian Premier League.
A total of 34 matches will be played, featuring a trio of double-header days, with the rest spaced out to allow each city its moment in the limelight. Alongside Rawalpindi, Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium will carry the bulk with 13 matches, while Karachi will play host to another 11, with Multan contributing to the tournament spread as well.
With half a million dollars up for grabs for the champions and $200,000 reserved for the second-best side, the stakes are high—not just in terms of glory, but financial incentive too. Each of the six franchises will be eyeing both the prize and bragging rights.
Meanwhile, away from the cricketing spotlight, the city of Rawalpindi has been transformed into a high-security zone.
With 5,000 police personnel assigned to the PSL detail, officials are leaving little to chance. Coordinated efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and elite police units are ensuring airtight security for fans, players, and officials. The Dolphin Force and Elite Force are active in the vicinity, backed by more than 376 traffic officers managing the flow around the venue.
Top police brass, including Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa and City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani, are directly supervising operations.
Entry to the stadium is tightly controlled, with visitors subjected to full-body checks and passage through walk-through gates. A high-tech control room has been established, monitoring not just the stadium but the wider city using Safe City surveillance systems and an array of CCTV networks.
Security for the players themselves is being handled with military precision.
Earlier in the day, Islamabad's police chief, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, led a crucial security briefing, emphasizing comprehensive protection at team hotels and during their travel.
Every movement will be preceded by bomb squad sweeps, and convoys will be escorted by smart surveillance vehicles and equipped with mobile jammers to block potential threats.
As cricket takes over the nation once again, all eyes are now on the pitch—and the promise of a decade-strong league stepping into its next era with energy, emotion, and a legacy to protect.
