Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators have announced on Wednesday that they would face off in an all-stars exhibition match on February 15 in Rawalpindi. The declaration was made in a joint press conference in Islamabad, where United owner Ali Naqvi and captain Misbahul Haq were joined by Gladiators coach Moin Khan. While talking to the media, Naqvi said the initiative was taken to add to the hype surrounding the third edition of the PSL. “We are excited to announce this news to everyone,” said Naqvi. “We believe this match will greatly help increase the pre-tournament hype. The reason we named this an all-star event is because present as well as former players will take part in it.” Moin, while talking to the media, also endorsed the decision and revealed that he and former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq will also take part in the match.

“I can assure you that there will be former stars playing in the match,” he said. “Me and Abdul Razzaq will be there to help the team. We might have some celebrities in the playing eleven as well.” Moin, who had a successful stint as the coach of the Safraz Ahmed-led Gladiators, expressed his desire of hosting the second match in Quetta. “I hope Quetta will host the next match,” he said. “Balochistan is a neglected province and I am sure events like these can bring smiles to the people’s faces there.” Both teams have impressed during the two editions of the PSL, with United winning the first one and Gladiators finishing as runners-up in both editions.

Published in Daily Times, January 25^th 2018.