By : Muhammad Naveed Sandhu

TWA

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Dubai UEA:The Global Celebrity League (GCL) kicked off in style with a star-studded launch event held in Dubai, marking the beginning of an exciting new cricket league that brings together legendary cricketers and popular celebrities. The evening was hosted by the charismatic Shifali Bagga and was graced by prominent figures from the world of cricket, film, and television, particularly from India and Pakistan.

The ceremony began on a respectful note, with attendees observing a moment of silence to honor the late founding chairman of GCL, His Excellency Sheikh Saud Abdullah Al Thani, whose vision and leadership played a pivotal role in the league’s inception.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the unveiling of jerseys and logos for the five participating teams: Pakistan Firefox, Indian Thunders, Afghan Warriors, Bangal Tigers, and Qatar Global. The reveals sparked enthusiasm and anticipation for the thrilling matches ahead.

A key moment in the ceremony was the official signing of two powerhouse teams. Pakistan Firefox, owned by Mr. Waqas Alvi, was represented by cricket greats Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, and Wahab Riaz. On the other side, Indian Thunders, owned by Mr. Sumit Rajpal, was proudly represented by former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and Bollywood stars Neha Sharma, Arbaaz Khan, and Sohail Khan. Their presence set the stage for a high-voltage sporting rivalry between the two nations.

GCL President Arif Malik addressed the audience, sharing the vision behind the league and announcing the official match dates. The action-packed T10 tournament is scheduled to run from May 27 to June 4, 2025, at the iconic Asian Town Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan match will open the tournament, followed by an elaborate opening ceremony.

Naghma Khan, League Director of GCL, was praised for her instrumental role in organizing the event and ensuring seamless collaboration across all teams. Her dedication was key in bringing this ambitious cricket-celebrity fusion to life.

Adding to the excitement, Shikhar Dhawan and Wahab Riaz delivered spirited speeches, expressing their eagerness for the competition and promising fans an electrifying experience in Doha. GCL’s brand ambassador, cricket icon Shahid Afridi, joined the event via video call, interacting with the stars and hyping up the India-Pakistan rivalry. His enthusiastic message further fueled anticipation for what promises to be a spectacular tournament.