Multan Sultans to lock horns with Karachi Kings as HBL PSL 7 starts today

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The wait is over as the country's biggest cricket extravaganza HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) commence today at National Stadium in Karachi.

Reigning champions Multan Sultans will start their title defence against home side Karachi Kings right after the glittering opening ceremony of HBL PSL 7.

The two biggest stars of world cricket, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam will be leading Sultans and Kings respectively. Rizwan, in his first season as captain, led Sultans to title win last year in June while Babar is leading Kings for the first time.

Karachi Kings

Kings now have a leader who is also leading Pakistan across formats. The side have shown consistency by playing play-offs every year but have only managed to play one final.

They were knocked out by Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 1. Babar Azam's men will be eyeing the final two and win the title. Karachi Kings have put faith in the core of the squad by retaining eight players and also picked great talents at the draft.

The top order is quite set with Babar Azam, Sharjeel Khan and Joe Clarke at the top. Mohammad Nabi, Imad Wasim, Lewis Gregory will provide the fire power in the middle-order.

The pace bowling options are high quality. Mohammad Amir and Chris Jordan will play a key role while Mohammad Ilyas and Aamer Yamin will be vital too.

One area that can be concerning for Kings is spin department. Apart from Imad and Nabi, they don't have an experienced spinner for middle-overs. Pakistan U19 stars Qasim Akram and Faisal Akram will join the side late and will be vying for a chance.

Squad: Babar Azam, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Amir, Joe Clarke, Sharjeel Khan, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Ilyas, Chris Jordan, Lewis Gregory, Umaid Asif, Ian Cockbain, Rohail Nazir, Muhammad Imran, Faisal Akram, Qasim Akram, Talha Ahsan, Tom Lammonby, Sahibzada Farhan, Jordan Thompson

Multan Sultans

Sultans completely turned the table after a horrible first leg of HBL PSL 6. Their performances peaked in Abu Dhabi, eventually winning seven matches out of eight and went on to win the tournament.

Under the leadership of ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year, Rizwan, they will look to become the first side to defend the title in PSL history.

To achieve this unique feat, they have all their departments covered. The top-order is strong, comprising RIzwan, Sohaib Maqsood, Shah Masood and Rilee Rossouw.

They have added Tim David in their ranks who have been impressive with his power-hitting in the franchise leagues all over the world while Khushdil Shah will also look to showcase some extraordinary performances in late middle-order.

After playing HBL PSL 6 as an emerging star, Shahnawaz Dahani will lead the attack this year. The leading wicket-taker of last year will have the valuable support of Dawid Willey, Rumman Raees, Imran Khan Sr and Blessing Muzarabani. In Imran Tahir, they have an experienced spinner who can help the team reach far in the tournament.

Squad: Mohammad Rizwan, Rilee Rossouw, Sohaib Maqsood, Imran Tahir, Shan Masood, Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dhani, Tim David, Johnson Charles, Rumman Raees, Asif Afridi, Anwar Ali, Rovman Powell (Dominic Drakes, partial replacement), Imran Khan Sr., Abbas Afridi, Amir Azmat, Blessing Muzarabani, Ihsanullah, David Willey, Rizwan Hussain