Star-Studded Launch Ceremony Officially Kicks Off Global Celebrity League (GCL)
DUBAI: The much-awaited unveiling event of the Global Celebrity League (GCL) — an innovative cricket tournament combining iconic cricketers with famous celebrities — concluded in spectacular fashion at a private gathering in Dubai. The event was energetically hosted by the charismatic Shifali Bagga, and saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries, legendary cricketers, and well-known film and television personalities from both India and Pakistan.
The evening began on a reflective note, as guests observed a moment of silence in memory of His Excellency Sheikh Saud Abdullah Al Thani, the late founding chairman of GCL, who passed away last week. His contributions and vision for the league were deeply honored.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official jerseys and logos for the five participating teams — Pakistan Firefox, Indian Thunders, Afghan Warriors, Bangal Tigers, and Qatar Global — which sparked tremendous excitement and anticipation for the upcoming tournament.
Among the most noteworthy moments was the formal signing of two flagship teams. Mr. Waqas Alvi, owner of Pakistan Firefox, graced the occasion, while Mr. Sumit Rajpal, owner of the Indian team, was represented by former Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan. Bollywood celebrities Neha Sharma, Arbaaz Khan, and Sohail Khan proudly endorsed the Indian side. On the Pakistani front, cricket icons Imran Nazir, Wahab Riaz, and Shahid Afridi threw their support behind their team. The presence of team owners alongside their celebrity ambassadors signaled the official kickoff of a fierce yet friendly cricketing showdown.global textile exporter
GCL President Arif Malik addressed the gathering, elaborating on the league’s mission and future plans. He officially confirmed that the exhilarating T10 GCL matches are scheduled from May 27th to June 4th, 2025, at the renowned Asian Town Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The much-anticipated opening match will feature a high-voltage clash between traditional rivals India and Pakistan, following a grand opening ceremony.
League Director Naghma Khan was credited for the event’s immense success, owing to her relentless efforts and dedication. Her vision has been to seamlessly bring together all participating teams and elevate the league to unprecedented heights.
Speeches by Shikhar Dhawan and Wahab Riaz further fueled excitement, as both players passionately conveyed their eagerness for the matches in Doha, pledging an entertaining and competitive series.
Lastly, Shahid Afridi, the GCL’s official brand ambassador, made a virtual appearance via video call. He thrilled the audience with promises of electrifying cricket action and friendly competition, especially in the context of India vs Pakistan. His playful exchange with Shikhar Dhawan and other stars brought a lively energy to the evening, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation.
