The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has evolved and come a long way since its inception in 2016. It is known to introduce new and innovative ideas to the game of cricket and staying true to tradition, this year, PSL brings the world’s first cricket x art collaboration.
Most successful team and winner of season 1 and 3, Islamabad United has teamed up with one of Pakistan’s most iconic artists, Imran Qureshi.
“Presenting #IQxIU – World’s first ever Cricket x Art collaboration with globally celebrated artist, Imran Qureshi,” read the official announcement.
“The artistic output of the project will be seen across the team’s official kit, and much more!”
Presenting #IQxIU – World's first ever Cricket x Art collaboration with globally celebrated artist, Imran Qureshi.
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) January 16, 2022
The artistic output of the project will be seen across the team’s official kit, and much more! #UnitedWeWin #AANIdeasLAB #LevelHai #HBLPSL7 @AANIdeas pic.twitter.com/o344CHjZIk
Under the project, AANideasLAB: IQ X IU, artist Imran Qureshi interacted with the Islamabad United players, conducting a visual art project, spread over several weeks. His artistic contributions will be used in the team’s official kit as well as other ventures this season.
The collaboration aims to celebrate sports and art that are two of the most universal languages we have today.
Very excited about this collaboration which aims to celebrate sport and art, two of the most universal languages we have today – bringing art to the Pakistani public through their love for the game of cricket. 1/#UnitedWeWin #AANIdeasLAB #LevelHai #HBLPSL7 @AANIdeas @AmnaTNaqvi https://t.co/fscnvdUGrl
— Ali Naqvi (@AliNaqvi808) January 16, 2022
“Since its inception, Islamabad United has been focused on bringing innovation to the PSL and one of our missions has been to use the huge reach of cricket in introducing socially positive causes to a wider audience. I am especially enthused about this idea as it combines two of our passions – cricket and art – together, something not done before anywhere in the world. I have been thinking about this idea for a few years but Covid delayed its execution until this year. The project will help in mainstreaming visual and other arts to cricket fans in Pakistan as well as to a global audience. I am grateful to Imran Qureshi for accepting such a challenge as its inaugural artist and to the Islamabad United players who have shown flexibility for this totally new experience. Like all of you, I am keenly looking forward to seeing what creative forms this project takes” said Ali Naqvi, owner of Islamabad United.
The Pakistan Super League 2022 will be held in Karachi and Lahore from 27 January to 27 February.
