Celebrities, public throng National Stadium for Karachi Kings team launch

KARACHI: A large number of people, celebrities, sports personalities and political leaders reached Karachi’s National Stadium for the launch of the most popular team of Pakistan Super League (PSL) ‘Karachi Kings’, ARY News reported on Friday.

Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nehal Hashmi, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Farooq Sattar, business leaders and celebrities from showbiz attended the event to support the team.

The event hosted by prominent actor and ‘Jeeto Pakistan’ host Fahad Mustafa and ARY News anchor Waseem Badami started with the recitation of Holy Quran.

The whole stadium then stood up for the recitation of national anthem, which was followed by a performance from singer and social activist Shehzad Roy who sang the official anthem of the Karachi Kings team.

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As Karachi Kings’ team owner Salman Iqbal was called on stage,  he thanked all the dignitaries and guests attending the event and expressed hope that this year Karachi Kings will return to its fans with the PSL trophy.

“Karachi is shining like it did last year, if there is one city which has completely owned its team, it is Karachi,” said Salman Iqbal.

The Karachi Kings’ owner maintained that this year, the franchise has selected the best team comprising international stars like Chris Gayle, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Kieron Pollard and Ryan Mclaren along with national players who brought honour to Pakistan.

Mr Salman Iqbal then called all his team players including Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Amir, Babar Azam, Imad Wasim, Sohail Khan, Shahzaib Hasan, Saifullah Bangash, Rahat Ali, Hasan Mohsin, Khurram Manzoor, Usama Mir, Imad Alam and Abrar Ahmed on stage.

The Karachi Kings owner, who is also the President and CEO of ARY Digital Network, promised the people of city that if Lahore gets final match of PSL 2017,  he will make sure that the next PSL final be held in Karachi.

The Karachi Kings squad also took selfies with the team owner.

Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also spoke on the occasion, congratulated ARY Network for holding a successful launch event.

“When I met Salman Iqbal, we tried to arrange a PSL match for Karachi, we could not do it this year but if you (people of Karachi) keep supporting us, we will hold PSL 2018 final in the city,” said the CM Sindh.

The CM was presented a Karachi Kings jersey by the sponsors of the team.

Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar also expressed happiness over the success of the event and said that such events prove that life is returning to the city of lights.

He also expressed hope that this time Karachi Kings will return with the PSL trophy.

Prominent singers Komal Rizvi, Shazia Khushk, Asim Azhar and rock band Fuzon performed at the event and entertained people of Karachi.

Karachi Kings will play eight fixtures in the round-robin stage of the league.

Karachi Kings will kick off their PSL 2 campaign against Peshawar Zalmi on 10th February and will play Quetta Gladiators on 11th February.

They will face Lahore Qalandars on February 16th and Islamabad United on 17th February. They will take on Peshawar Zalmi on 19th February and Quetta Gladiators on 23rd February again.

The side will play Lahore Qalandars on 25th February and their last game of the first round will be against Islamabad United on 26th February.