Daily Times

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) second edition’s winners trophy was unveiled on Monday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. PSL chairman Najam Sethi, alongside captains of the five participating franchises, was present on the occasion where ‘The Spirit Trophy’ was presented to the media. “It is a gorgeous piece of art,” boasted Sethi. “Apart from the winning trophy, we will have three others as well. One is for the best batsman which is named after late Hanif Muhammad. The next one will be for the best bowler which has been named after late Fazal Mahmood. And the last one will be for the best wicketkeeper of the tournament and it has been named after late Imtiaz Ahmed.”

The best batsman trophy (crystallized cricket bat) was unveiled by Lahore Qalandars captain Brendon McCullum, Islamabad United’s captain Misbahul Haq and Karachi Kings’ captain Kumar Sangakkara. The best bowler’s trophy (a crystallized cricket ball) was unveiled by Peshawar Zalmi captain Daren Sammy. The best wicket-keeper’s trophy, (a crystallized wicket-keeper’s glove) was unveiled by Quetta Gladiators’ captain Sarfraz Ahmed. The man of the tournament’s trophy (a crystallized rising star) was unveiled by Karachi Kings’ all-rounder Shoaib Malik. Brand ambassador of the PSL Ramiz Raja was also present during the ceremony. “Everything related to the PSL is five-star; the trophy, the teams, the managers, the coaches. I feel privileged to be a part of such a dynamic process,” Ramiz said. “It took a lot of hard work to put everything in place in the first edition. Plenty of people had their doubts if it will take-off, thankfully it did with flying colors,” Ramiz added. The best thing about this year’s PSL is that the final is going to take place in Lahore which is great news for all the fans. This will be a great opportunity for them to see their superstars. The PSL has created a brilliant environment for cricket. It will be priceless experience for young players. The action begins with an opening clash between defending champions’ Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi on Thursday (February 9). Sethi reiterated the league’s aim of holding the league final in Lahore and asked cricket fans to back the tournament to the hilt besides appreciating the interest of foreign players and coaches roped in by the five franchises.

Sethi also thanked the sponsors, franchise owners and supporters of the tournament that will witness some of the best cricketing talent compete for the ‘The Spirit Trophy’.