The Pakistan Super League Season 10 (PSL X) kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday night, marking what officials and fans are calling the largest and most colorful event in the history of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The twin cities were transformed into a cricketing and cultural festival hub, with roads adorned with vibrant banners, welcoming billboards, and team flags waving across major highways, markets, and public spaces.
Thousands of fans gathered at the stadium and in fan zones across the cities to witness a glittering opening ceremony, followed by a thrilling first match where Islamabad United defeated Lahore Qalandars in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Twin Cities Turn Into Festival Grounds
For weeks leading up to the tournament, Islamabad and Rawalpindi were decorated with PSL-themed visuals, signaling the start of one of the biggest sporting events in the country. Local authorities collaborated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to beautify the cities, installing decorative arches, banners, and lighting displays across Murree Road, Faizabad Interchange, Saddar, F-9 Park, and Metro Bus Stations.
“Rawalpindi has never seen anything like this. The city feels alive and united in celebration,” said Hamza Khalid, a cricket fan who traveled from Peshawar to attend the ceremony.
Grand Opening Ceremony Delivers Unforgettable Moments
The opening ceremony began shortly after sunset, blending music, culture, and cutting-edge entertainment. Highlights of the evening included:
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The dramatic arrival of the PSL 10 trophy “Luminara” by a jetpack flyer, a first in league history.
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A soulful rendition of the national anthem by children of Surtaal Music Academy.
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Electrifying live performances from Abida Parveen, Ali Zafar, Abrar ul Haq, Young Stunners, and Natasha Baig.
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A fireworks finale that lit up the Rawalpindi sky, cheered on by a capacity crowd.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who oversaw the planning of the ceremony, praised the fans and organizers for making the event a memorable success.
Islamabad United Open Campaign with Victory Over Lahore Qalandars
In the highly anticipated opening match of the tournament, Islamabad United registered a confident win over Lahore Qalandars, giving home fans even more reason to celebrate.
Match Summary:
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Lahore Qalandars: 151/7 (20 overs)
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Islamabad United: 155/4 (18.3 overs)
Luminara Trophy:
Earlier this week, the PSL 10 trophy, Luminara, was unveiled in a never-before-seen underwater ceremony organized in collaboration with the Pakistan Navy.
Crafted with silver plating and over 22,000 zircon stones, Luminara was designed to symbolize resilience, excellence, and national unity. Its arrival by jetpack at the opening ceremony stunned the crowd and showcased PCB’s commitment to innovation and spectacle.
World-Class Experience
The opening night received an overwhelmingly positive response from both stadium spectators and television audiences across Pakistan.
“This was the best PSL ceremony yet. It felt like watching an international event,” said Asma Rauf, a teacher from Islamabad.
Social media platforms were flooded with fan appreciation for the performances, visuals, and overall organization.
“PCB has truly elevated Pakistan cricket. This is how you promote sports and culture together,” tweeted user @PakCricketPulse.
Tournament Schedule
PSL 10 will feature 34 matches across Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Lahore, and Karachi, with the final scheduled for May 18, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
The next fixture will see Peshawar Zalmi take on Karachi Kings in Multan on Saturday, promising another high-energy contest.
With a record-breaking opening night that combined sport, music, national pride, and flawless execution, PSL 10 has set a new benchmark for cricketing events in Pakistan. The transformation of Islamabad and Rawalpindi into cricket-themed cities reflects not just a love for the game, but a unified vision of progress and celebration.
The tournament is expected to not only provide high-octane cricketing action but also continue to promote Pakistan as a safe, exciting, and vibrant destination for international sports.
