Muzaffarabad/ Web Desk:
The inaugural edition of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) kicked off with a simple yet beautiful opening ceremony in Muzaffarabad on Friday night.
The ceremony started with paragliders landing on the ground with Pakistan and Azad Kashmir flags. Afterward, the national anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were played in the stadium. A significant crowd was also present at the Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium holding Pakistan’s and Azad Kashmir’s flags.
Speaking at the event, KPL President Arif Malik stated that they had been working tirelessly for the past three years to host a cricketing event in Muzaffarabad that could be telecast worldwide. He implied that KPL is all about cricket and entertainment and that there is no place for politics.
“We will not discuss anything political here. We will only talk about cricket and entertainment,” he maintained. “There can’t be a better combination than Kashmir and cricket.”
Malik further said that finally hosting KPL in the Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium is a dream comes true for him.
“Dear world, look at the crowd and the beauty of Muzaffarabad, yes it is happening,” he uttered. “Thank you, Muzaffarabad and Azad Kashmir, our dream is fulfilled here today.”
He also thanked all the sponsors and broadcasters for their priceless contribution to make KPL a reality.
Meanwhile, KPL Vice-President Wasim Akram congratulated the people of Kashmir for getting their own league where the budding cricketers from the valley could shine.
The Sultan of Swing could not hold himself from praising the picturesque stadium of Muzaffarabad and termed it the most beautiful cricket stadium he has seen so far anywhere in the world.
Later, five captains of their respective franchises, except Shoaib Malik, gathered to unveil the beautiful trophy of the first edition of the KPL.
The six-team event, which will continue till Aug 17, features Muzaffarabad Tigers, Rawalakot Hawks, Bagh Stallions, Mirpur Royals, Kotli Lions, and Overseas Warriors.
The tournament will see a number of currents and former Pakistan and foreign cricketers, including ex-South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs, former England wicket-keeper Matt Prior, Afridi, Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Sharjeel Khan, Shan Masood, Sohaib Maqsood, Ahmed Shehzad, Haider Ali, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Anwar Ali and Imad Wasim in action.
Social media users share the beautiful moments of the inaugural ceremony on twitter.
Goosebumps Overloaded 💚#KheloAazadiSe pic.twitter.com/ty0pOzSf3y
— madiha (@MadiiiMadness) August 6, 2021
Opening ceremony of Kashmir Premier League #muzaffarabad #Kashmir #KPLT20 #KheloAazadiSe pic.twitter.com/S03CxM4Ctl
— Fawad Awan (@Fawad_Awaan) August 6, 2021
