The opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) will highlight the local culture of the country. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted for the services of a new company to organise the event.

Foreign cricketers will be given tours of various tourist destinations during the event as well. The opening ceremony of the PSL5 is scheduled to be held on February 20 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

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Since the entire tournament is now being held in Pakistan, the PCB looks set to take advantage by promoting the local culture. The board had learned a valuable lesson last year, when American singer Pitbull failed to show up for the event as scheduled. This year artists from Pakistan are expected to take centre stage during the opening ceremony.

The PCB is considering various activities which, although, have not been shared with the franchises yet. The board does not want foreign players to be confined to their hotels and stadiums either. They will be granted options to tour various tourist destinations in the country while enjoying the local cuisine.

The PCB officials, in a recent meeting, informed franchise officials that the foreign players would be treated as ‘state guests’. Their amusement will be catered to while providing high-profile security measures. However, all tours would be subject to security clearance. The franchises were also asked for their suggestions in this regard.

It should be noted that the entire PSL5 will be held in Pakistan. The players will be in the country for one month. The final is scheduled to be played on March 22 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.