Starting from February 13, the PSL 2023 will feature some of the biggest names in cricket, battling it out for the ultimate prize of being crowned champions. From the iconic Lahore Qalandars to the thrilling Karachi Kings, every team is determined to outdo the others and write their name in the history books.
With international stars and local legends taking to the crease, the PSL Season 8 is set to be a cricketing extravaganza that fans simply can’t miss.
However, on the side, there are a few familiar faces cheering their teams as they chase glory. This season too, actors and musicians and our favorite stars will be seen donning their favorite colors when the players enter the ground.
Here’s a brief rundown of the PSL teams your favourite stars are supporting.
Quetta Gladiators
Actors Maya Ali and Bilal Ashraf have been long time fans of the franchise owned by Nadeem Omar. The celebrity duo have been accompanied by the likes Nauman Ijaz, Ushna Shah, and boxing champion Usman Wazeer. The team is yet to release a music video but the form of Iftikhar Ahmed and Naseem Shah is already ringing bells for opposition teams and their fans. With rather forgettable last three seasons, Quetta will need all the luck of Maya Ali and Bilal Ashraf to make it to the finish line.
Peshawar Zalmi
Arguably PSL’s biggest franchise and also the most popular post Babar Azam’s transfer, Peshawar Zalmi took brand ambassadors little too seriously by roping in a plethora of domestic and international stars to their team. Such was the fanfare, they forgot to get a proper fast bowler and were dependent on the mercurial Wahab Riaz to lead them through. The list consisted of heartthrobs Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Farhan Saeed and viral sensation Dananeer Mobeen. It was a treat watching these celebs support the yellow and black, and we can’t wait to see who Peshawar Zalmi have in store this year.
Lahore Qalandars
The Lahore Qalandars know that true star power comes from within. While they had Mehwish Hayat’s support in the initial seasons, they’ve since relied on their own cricketing heroes to do the heavy lifting. From music videos to on-field showmanship, the Qalandars have elevated their players to household names. Take Shaheen Shah Afridi, for example, whose electrifying performance is music to the ears of Qalandars fans everywhere.
No need for outside star power, the Lahore Qalandars have a lineup full of talented superstars ready to light up the PSL Season 8. With a focus on homegrown talent, the Qalandars are a team to watch, proving that true champion spirit comes from within.
Multan Sultans
The Multan Sultans don’t need star power from outside, they’ve got it all in-house! With a roster full of big-hitting superstars like Mohammad Rizwan, the Sultans are ready to make some noise on and off the field.
While they’ve hosted the likes of Neelum Muneer, Ahsan Khan, and Momal Sheikh as brand ambassadors in the past, the Sultans know that their true power lies in their players. With Rizwan leading the charge, the Sultans are a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the pitch.
Islamabad United
2-time champion and one of the most formidable franchise t20 teams in the world Islamabad United have relied on the star power of Fawad Khan to create all the noise. And when you have a star of his stature in your ranks, you don’t need anyone else to do your bidding. There are already billboards up around town with Fawad partnering alongside food panda – Islamabad United’s premier sponsor – and we cannot wait to see him in Rawalpindi.
Karachi Kings
Karachi’s franchise has attracted stars just like it attracts controversies. With all the pre-season noise reaching its peak, the calm and serene nature of Humayun Saeed and Fahad Mustafa – the premier team ambassadors – will lead to some respite for the team.
The duo will be accompanied by the likes of Adnan Siddiqui and the usual ARY suspects, last year we also saw a glimpse of Kinza Hashmi in the dugout, so who knows what surprise Karachi has in store for us. However, more than the celebs, Karachi will be making sure, they set the record straight after the horrendous campaign last year.
