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The stage is set for a dazzling start to the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as a star-studded opening ceremony is scheduled for April 11, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The event will mark a historic first for Rawalpindi as it plays host to the PSL’s opening festivities, promising an evening rich in music, culture, and cricketing excitement.
Musical extravaganza to celebrate a decade of PSL
The opening ceremony, which kicks off at 7:00 pm local time, will feature a powerful lineup of Pakistan’s biggest musical talents, blending the country’s rich cultural roots with contemporary flair. Sufi music icon Abida Parveen will headline the night with her spiritually moving performances, expected to bring a soulful energy to the festivities.
Adding star power to the event, pop sensation Ali Zafar, who also lends his voice to the official PSL X anthem, will take centre stage alongside celebrated performers like Natasha Baig, Abrar-ul-Haq and rapper Talha Anjum. Together, they will deliver a performance that encapsulates the PSL’s spirit—dynamic, diverse and deeply rooted in Pakistani culture.
The musical showcase is designed to reflect the fusion of traditional and modern influences that define the nation’s evolving entertainment scene. The performances will highlight everything from Sufi melodies to modern rap beats, promising fans a night to remember.
Curtain-raiser: Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars
Following the opening ceremony, cricket action will begin at 8:30 pm local time, with defending champions Islamabad United facing two-time title winners Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener. The high-octane clash will immediately set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.
PSL 2025: Format and venues
This year’s PSL will run from April 11 to May 18, featuring 34 matches across four major venues—Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan. While Rawalpindi will host the opening ceremony and early-stage matches, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is set to host the final and playoff fixtures, along with 12 other key matches. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and the Multan Cricket Stadium will share the rest of the hosting duties.
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The launch of PSL 2025 anthem
Ahead of the first match, the PSL X anthem, performed by Ali Zafar, Abrar-ul-Haq, Natasha Baig and Talha Anjum, will officially be released on the league’s YouTube and TikTok channels. The anthem is expected to energize fans across the country and beyond, building hype for the tournament’s landmark season.
The wait is over! Presenting to you the Official #HBLPSLX Anthem 🤩🎶
“𝐗 𝐃𝐞𝐤𝐡𝐨” featuring @AliZafarsays, @AbrarUlHaqPK, @talhahanjum and @imnatashabaig 🎤#ApnaXHai pic.twitter.com/85znQOjhpC
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 2, 2025
As per tradition, the ceremony will close with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the Rawalpindi night sky and marking the beginning of another thrilling chapter in Pakistan’s premier T20 league.
With a unique blend of sport, music and celebration, PSL 2025 promises a grand launch befitting its 10-year milestone, uniting cricket lovers and music fans alike for a night of unforgettable entertainment.