The Pakistan Super League (PSL) unveiled the winner's trophy for the second edition of the league in a ceremony held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
The 'Spirit Trophy', encrusted with 50,000 crystals, was designed by Swarovski, a world-renowned fashion and luxury brand that specialises in cut-glass accessories.
It aims to capture the essence of Pakistani cricket, the managing director of Swarovski, Andrew Mojica, explained during the event.
"Taking its inspiration from the brilliance of the universe, the trophy’s central core resembles the galaxy of stars with a shooting star rising above and a golden crescent behind it," a press release issued by the PSL's Media Department said.
According to its designers, the trophy binds Pakistan’s hopes and aspirations with the PSL’s vision of cricket by bringing together established players and new talent under one banner.
From approval to mock-up to final product, the trophy took a total of four months to make.
The captains of the five competing teams were present at the unveiling, along with the management of the Pakistan Super League.
Flanked by the captains, PSL Chairman Najam Sethi said he hoped that the trophy will go to its "rightful home", Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
At the event, the PSL also unveiled trophies for best batsman, best bowler and best wicket keeper. The trophies have been named after Pakistani cricketing legends Hanif Mohammad, Fazal Mahmood and Imtiaz Ahmed respectively.
Hanif Mohammad, known as the "Little Master", was the first superstar in Pakistan's cricketing history. He is known for playing the longest innings in Test history — a 337-run stand against West Indies over 970 minutes in Bridgetown in 1957-58.
The trophy honouring him, a crystal-embedded bat, was unveiled by Lahore Qalandars captain Brendon McCullum, Islamabad United captain Misbahul Haq and Karachi Kings captain Kumar Sangakkara. All three are respected batsmen in their own rights.
Fazal Mahmood was widely regarded as one of the finest cricketers to come out of Pakistan in the early years of the game's history in the country. His forte was pace bowling.
The trophy, a crystal-embedded cricket ball, was unveiled by the Peshawar Zalmi captain, all-rounder Daren Sammy.
Imtiaz Ahmed was the first regular wicket-keeper for Pakistan's national cricket team, and one of the players drafted to the country's first Test team. He was also widely regarded as an attacking batsmen.
The trophy honouring him, a crystal-embedded wicket-keeper's glove, was unveiled by Quetta Gladiators' wicket-keeper captain, Sarfraz Ahmed.
The Man of the Tournament Award for HBLPSL revealed by Shoaib Malik.—PCB
The Man of the Tournament trophy, a crystallized rising star, was unveiled by Karachi Kings' all-rounder and former captain Shoaib Malik.
PSL 2017 action begins with defending champions Islamabad United facing Peshawar Zalmi on Feb 9 — the day the league kicks off formally.
