The ninth edition of Sohni Dharti Pakistan Cricket League for the 2022-2023 season commenced at Al Khor cricket ground recently. The tournament is being played on the same format as the famous PSL (Pakistan Super League) with similar team names – Lahore Qalandars (LQ), Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans.
The tournament, featuring more than 150 players, comprises 34 matches including 30 matches at the league stage; play offs and the grand finale will be held on February 18.
Muhammad Khalid, of the defending champions, is again leading LQ while Rao Nadeem Ahmed has been given the captaincy of Multan Sultan, the runners up of the last edition.
Gulshan Ali Shaikh is captaining Karachi Kings, while Rana Muhammad Atif is captaining Islamabad United, Naveed Anwar is leading Quetta Gladiators and Rana Muhammad Iqbal has been given the opportunity to head Peshawar Zalmis.
Syed Nasooh Akhter, Muhammad Hayat and Chaudhry Aqeel Rasheed, the three veterans and widely respected players, are members of technical committee. Sohni Dharti Chairman Shahid Mehmood Bhatti and President Rao Inam are part of the discipline committee. Sports Secretary Ghulam Farid is looking after the overall tournament.
In its past editions, the league has witnessed everything – nail biters, last ball thrillers, raining of sixes, master blaster knocks, wickets tumbling, fiery bowling spells etc. The tournament is getting bigger and better with each passing year and the excitement and participation are on the rise.
Sohni Dharti has provided all teams with high quality cricketing kit and cricket gears. Neutral umpiring has been introduced this year. This step has been widely appreciated by players. The introduction of batting power play has brought a great deal of excitement.
Cricket-themed special ‘Man of the Match’ trophies have been arranged which will be presented to the star performers at the end of every match. Moreover, various trophies and prizes have been kept in different categories such as Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best All-rounder, Best Wicket Keeper, Emerging Player and Most Dedicated Player, which will be given away during prize distribution ceremony.
A large number of spectators are witnessing the exciting matches. Sohni Dharti has arranged various stalls for players and spectators. Arrangements have been made for full coverage of the event on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Sports Secretary Ghulam Farid and Sohni Dharti Chairman Shahid Mehmood Bhatti have been working hard to make cricket enjoyable and accessible to people of all ages. They have ensured that such events provide opportunity to community members to get involved in sports, create friendships, make connections, and have some fun out of their busy schedule.
