In pictures: The Pakistan Super League gets under way in Karachi

The opening ceremony officially signalled the beginning of the Pakistan Super League on Thursday. The 2020 edition will be the first one to be held entirely in Pakistan

Organisers will be hoping the tournament lights up the interest in the sport, with Prime Minister Imran Khan watching closely

All six PSL teams were represented at the ceremony in Karachi

Earlier, Quetta's Shane Watson was given close security in Karachi

Policemen sit in a police vehicle outside the National Stadium during a practice session for the upcoming 2020 Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Karachi on February 18, 2020. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 is scheduled to begin on February 20, in Karachi’s National Stadium. 

Pakistan's Sarfraz Ahmed sits during a practice session in Karachi

Pakistan Super League captains Sarfraz Ahmed of Quetta Gladiators and Shadab Khan of Islamabad United speak to the media

Darren Sammy of Peshawar Zalmi, Sarfraz Ahmed of Quetta Gladiators, Shadab Khan of Islamabad United, Imad Wasim of Karachi Kings and Sohail Akhtar of Lahore Qalandars pose with the PSL trophy and cricket officials during the trophy unveiling ceremony at the Karachi National Stadium

Pakistan's former squash world champion Jahangir Khan unveils the PSL trophy at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan with Chief of Pakistan Cricket Board Ehsan Mani, right

Jahangir Khan along with captains of five participating teams (from left) Darren Sammy, Sohail Akhtar, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim