(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
The 2016 Pakistan Super League match between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars managed to grab more eyeballs than the India-Pakistan quarterfinal match in the 2011 World Cup.
Such an eye-opening stat was provided by PSL brand ambassador and former Pakistan international Ramiz Raja at the unveiling of the 'Spirit Trophy', designed by Swarovski for the second edition of the tournament which gets under way on Thursday, February 9.
And, if the numbers are anything to go by, then the PSL is sure to set new benchmarks in the years to come. But for now five teams - defending champions Islamabad United, runners-up Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars - are ready to create a sandstorm in the desert with some nail-biting and lip-smacking cricket.
Fans can also expect some high-octane and 'boombastic' music from Jamaican reggae star Shaggy and Pakistan's Ali Zafar during the opening ceremony at the Dubai Cricket Stadium prior to the opening match between Misbah-ul-Haq's Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi.
The Peshawar side finished third last season under Shahid Afridi but will be led by Darren Sammy this season. There could be a trick or two here as the West Indian recently led his country to the T20 World Cup.
Lahore Qalandars, who finished last in the table in 2016, have got Brendon McCullum to lead them, while Jason Roy and Sunil Narine add weight to the team.
Kumar Sangakkara will lead Karachi Kings who also boast the big-hitting Chris Gayle. The number of matches has been increased from 16 to 24 in the second season, with the final to be held in Lahore in Pakistan.
"I want to reiterate on this occasion that the final of PSL 2 will be in Lahore, Inshaallah," said PSL chairman Najam Sethi at the unveiling of the trophy.
Ramiz Raja said hosting the final in Pakistan is of great news for all the fans as they have been starved of seeing superstars not playing at home and this will give them a great opportunity.
"I don't know whether the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore will be able to handle the pressure of a PSL final but I'm hoping they all come and we have a great spectacle as this will take Pakistan to new horizons," added the former Pakistan captain.
Raja has no doubt that the tournament will be successful.
"I am confident the tournament will grow in stature. There's a lot to look forward to for PSL 2 as there are new players that have come in and a lot of preparations that have gone behind the scenes," he added.
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