Abu Dhabi Sports Council & Abu Dhabi Cricket continue strategic partnership with the Pakistan Cricket Board to bring T20 extravaganza to the Capital on 4th and 5th March 2019. AB De Villiers, Steve Smith, Shahid Afridi and Kieron Pollard among the international superstars set to light up Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The Babib Bank (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019, one of the world’s most successful T20 tournaments, is scheduled to head to Zayed Cricket Stadium for the very first time in March, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Abu Dhabi Cricket (ADC) as the hosts of four matches in the UAE capital.

ADC will play host to two double headers scheduled for Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th March. The first match on 4th March welcomes Quetta Gladiators as they face Peshawar Zalmi, followed by the nighttime match between Karachi Kings and the sixth team, whose owners will be announced later this month following the conclusion of the tender process.

The following day the Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi will feature in the first game, while the night match will see Quetta Gladiators take on Islamabad United.

It will be the first time that matches of the fastest growing T20 league in the world will be hosted in Abu Dhabi and is a testament to the desire of international tournament organisers and associations to make use of the high quality pitches and training facilities available, together with readiness of ADC to host such an electric competition.

The HBL PSL brings a thrilling format of cricket and a festival atmosphere like no other, so fans can expect to see the 21,000 capacity stadium packed with a host of nationalities and age groups, enjoying the electric ambience throughout the four games.

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “I would firstly like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for their ongoing support of Abu Dhabi, as we continue to accelerate at full speed in our mission to become a global capital of world sport. Hosting the HBL PSL 2019 at Zayed Cricket Stadium is additional confirmation of the progress the city has made as a global hub for international cricket.

Despite having a long-term presence in the capital, Abu Dhabi Cricket has recently come to the forefront of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council portfolio due to its ongoing success not only in hosting the Pakistan national team, but also in presenting top quality international sports events and offering world-class training facilities.”

Founded in 2016, the PSL has risen quickly to see six teams battle it out each year for T20 supremacy. With matches in 2019 split between Pakistan and the UAE, the tournament will represent a fantastic opportunity for cricket fans across the country to experience the pace and excitement of T20, alongside providing a chance for those unfamiliar with the sport to be introduced to the format.

Matthew Boucher, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket said: “It’s fantastic news to have this vote of confidence in the capabilities and facilities of Abu Dhabi Cricketfrom the PCB, with whom we have collaborated with closely in order to provide Pakistan cricket with a home away from home.

Lahore Qalandars, the reigning Abu Dhabi T20 champions, have already made the pick of the PSL season this year, snapping up T20 powerhouse AB de Villiers. Players from across the world have followed suit, including the likes of current Pakistan Captain Sarfraz Ahmed fellow national squad members Hasan Ali, Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez – are all well accustomed to playing at the stadium and tackling the conditions. Karachi Kings boast Colin Ingram from South Africa, cricketing legend and former England player Ian Bell will be a key part of Islamabad United, whilst other big names from global cricket will also include Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam, Darren Sammy, AB De Villiers and Dwayne Bravo to name a few.

Stay tuned for more information on ticket sales by visiting www.abudhabicricket.ae.