Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has joined Karachi Kings through the replacement draft ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9, which is scheduled to kick off on February 17 in Lahore.
Muzarabani, Played last season from the Multan Sultan side and now he is replaced by Jamie Overton, who was unavailable for the entire duration of PSL 9.
Here are the other roster changes made by the franchises before the start of the ninth edition of the league:
- Karachi Kings: Fawad Ali replaced Tim Seifert (Partial)
- Lahore Qalandars: Lorcan Tucker and Salman Fayyaz replaced Dan Lawrence and
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa respectively (Partial)
- Quetta Gladiators: Usman Tariq (Reserved), Umar Amin replaced Wanindu Hasaranga (Partial)
- Multan Sultans: Olly Stone replaced Reece Topley (Partial)
- Peshawar Zalmi: Paul Walter replaced Sufyan Muqeem (Full)
The opening match will feature two-time champions Islamabad United against defending champions Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, starting at 8pm (Pakistan Standard Time).
The tournament’s opening ceremony will include performances by renowned artists Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, Arif Lohar, and Noori, accompanied by fireworks and a laser show. Gates will open for spectators at 3:30 pm, with the ceremony commencing at 6:30 pm.
The 34-match T20 tournament promises thrilling cricket action in various cities. Karachi will host 11 matches, including the qualifier, two eliminators, and the final. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi will each host nine matches, while Multan will see five encounters.
A highly anticipated clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings is scheduled for February 24 and March 9. Gaddafi Stadium will host the February 24 match, while the National Bank Stadium will be the venue for the March 9 encounter.
Teams like Kings, Qalandars, Sultans, and United will play five matches at their respective home grounds, while Peshawar Zalmi will play four matches at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
Quetta Gladiators will play three matches each in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with one match at Multan Cricket Stadium against Multan Sultans on February 25.