The fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) kicked off on a high note with an exciting clash between Jaffna Kings and Colombo Strikers at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Jaffna, having won the toss, started their innings with a bang, but their momentum was disrupted by the impressive performance of Colombo and Pakistan's fast bowler, Naseem Shah.

Shah not only delivered the first significant blow to Jaffna but also sent Afghanistan's opener, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, back to the pavilion with a fiery display of bowling.

Following Gurbaz's dismissal, Naseem Shah erupted in ecstatic celebration, accompanied with a bit of sledging as Gurbaz passed him on his way to the dugout. Nevertheless, Gurbaz chose a more composed approach, opting not to fuel the confrontation. Instead, he brushed off Shah's provocation and continued walking towards the dugout, unfazed by the heated reaction.

However, after the match, the duo seems to have made them as they were seen sharing a laugh.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the presence of Pakistan's cricketing sensation, Babar Azam, who captained the Colombo Strikers. Babar's magnetic aura drew large crowds of eager fans wherever he played. In the LPL 2023 opener against Jaffna Kings, a heartwarming moment was captured on camera when a young fan repeatedly shouted Babar Azam's name, hoping for a wave from the cricket star. The video of this touching incident quickly spread across social media platforms.

On the batting front, it was a challenging day for Babar Azam, who could only manage seven runs from eight balls as Colombo Strikers fell short by 21 runs in their chase against Jaffna Kings. However, Babar displayed his exceptional skills in the field, pulling off a sensational catch to dismiss Charith Asalanka. Asalanka attempted a big shot against Lakshan Sandakan but ended up holing out to Babar, who was stationed at long-off.

While on his way to the team bus after the match, Babar was again greeted by fans, who continued to cheer his name.