Atif Aslam's ICC Champions Trophy anthem packs a punch
Performed by Aslam, produced by Abdullah Siddiqui and co-written by Adnan Dhool and Asfanyar Asad, Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke is the perfect high-octane track worthy of the return of the Champions Trophy to Pakistan after a gap of eight years.
High-energy vocals and visuals
The video features Aslam and a horde of what we can only assume are cricket aficionados dancing along the streets, mimicking the nation's love affair with the sport, be it on the streets or in the stadium. Aslam's accompanying dancers hold aloft a set of flags representing each of the nations participating in the Champions Trophy, symbolising the unifying power of both sport and music. With never a dull moment, segments of the song dip into a video game-like simulation as would-be players (men and women alike) select a bat of their choice.
This celebratory dance number may be set in a minor key, but it is powered by an upbeat tempo that defies you to sit still and fuels the excitement and adrenaline only an upcoming cricket tournament can bring. Whatever the outcome of the tournament, both music and cricket fans can at least jive along to a new anthem to keep the mood upbeat should a tense cricket match begin to slip into the jaws of defeat.
The fast-paced lyrics may spitfire past you on the first listen, but no one will be able to deny that Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke is an electrifying homage to cricket. In under two minutes, we have received the message loud and clear: cricket is in our blood, it is to be revered, and most important of all, it is coming back.
What the fans are saying
Whether Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke will slip into the hallowed halls of immortal cricket songs and dethrone Dil Dil Pakistan is debatable, but the fusion of pop and pounding traditional beats alongside Aslam's soaring voice makes the song irresistible to listen to – and fans in the comments section agree.
"Probably the best ICC Champions Trophy song," wrote one fan, having been won over by the banger. Yet another fan commented, "What a song. Epic! Atif is always giving his best! Loved it. Perfect song for the perfect occasion."
Taking note of the appearance of flags in the video, one commenter penned their thoughts on Aslam's ability to foster cross-border relations. "Atif Aslam is the bridge between borders," penned the user, adding three emojis for the Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi flags.
What sets the track apart is its very existence, since previous Champions Trophy tournaments did not feature an official anthem. However, with Aslam on board in this tightly knitted number, the upcoming tournament will have the benefit of music-fuelled adrenaline even if the sporting fixtures themselves fail to live up to expectations.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to start on February 19, beginning with a Pakistan-New Zealand clash. The tournament will see the top eight One Day International teams competing, with matches set to take place in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Three Australia players ruled out of South Africa series
Australia has been forced into a trio of late changes ahead of the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, with Mitchell Owen, Lance Morris, and Matt Short all ruled out due to injury concerns. Replacements Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, and Matt Kuhnemann have been drafted into the squad. Mitchell Owen has been ruled out of both the decisive third T20I and the subsequent ODI series after suffering a concussion. He was struck on the helmet by a sharp bouncer from Kagiso Rabada in the second T20I in Darwin. Although he passed an on-field concussion assessment, Owen later reported delayed symptoms following his dismissal and will now undergo the mandatory 12-day stand-down period, ruling him out of a potential ODI debut. Fast bowler Lance Morris has also been sidelined after experiencing back soreness during training. The injury is a worrying setback for Morris, who has a history of back issues. He has returned to Perth for further evaluation, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming Australia A four-day tour of India. Allrounder Matt Short, who was initially ruled out of the first two T20Is due to a side strain sustained in the West Indies, has now been ruled out of the entire South Africa series. It marks another frustrating interruption to Short's international career, having also missed part of the Champions Trophy earlier this year with a quad injury. South Africa leveled the T20I series with a commanding 53-run win on Tuesday, setting up a series decider in Cairns on Saturday. The same city will host the first ODI on August 19, followed by matches in Mackay on August 22 and 24. Hardie, who had already joined the T20I squad as cover for Short, now stays on for the ODI leg. Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who last played ODIs in 2022, returns and could feature in a spin-heavy attack alongside Adam Zampa. Cooper Connolly, a left-handed batter and left-arm spinner, joins the squad after making his international debut during the Champions Trophy semi-final against India earlier this year. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis missed the second T20I with flu-like symptoms. Alex Carey was called in as cover and made his first T20I appearance since 2021. Updated Australia ODI Squad: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Traffic disruption during I-Day celebrations at National Stadium strands citizens for hours
Listen to article Karachi residents were left stranded on the city's roads during the Independence Day celebrations Wednesday due to poor traffic management by the local police. The central Independence Day event, held at the National Stadium, saw a large turnout. However, the event was overshadowed by traffic gridlock as major roads were closed in the evening, leaving citizens struggling to reach their destinations. The closure of routes such as Sir Shah Sulaiman Road and University Road led to long queues of vehicles, while areas like Ghareebabad, Jail Chowrangi, and Natha Khan Bridge saw significant congestion. By the evening, the situation worsened as the track leading from Shahrah-e-Faisal to Karachi's airport was also shut, further exacerbating the traffic jam. People attempting to travel to the airport were especially affected, with some waiting for hours in their vehicles. Closed* - Time: 22:15 PM - Location: Main Shahrah-e-Faisal Carsaz left turn towards Habib Ibrahim Rahmatullah Road - Reason: Road closed by local police for security reasons - Alternate route: Traffic diverted from — Karachi Traffic Police (@Khitrafficpol) August 13, 2025 The mismanagement of traffic also affected areas such as Dalmia Road and Guru Mandir, where residents were forced to endure long delays. Despite announcements of alternative routes, citizens faced significant inconvenience, with many unable to reach their destinations or attend the celebrations. While the event itself was a success, the poor traffic planning and execution have sparked widespread criticism of the authorities, who failed to anticipate the movement of large crowds. Many citizens are now calling for better coordination to avoid such disruptions in the future. Meanwhile, Karachi's National Stadium was alive with music and celebration as the Sindh government, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Pakistan, hosted a grand musical concert to mark the celebrations of Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day. The concert kicked off with the national anthem, followed by performances from renowned Pakistani singers, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, and Sajjad Ali. Regional artists also captivated the audience with their exceptional performances. Held at the 27,000-seat stadium, the event saw enthusiastic participation from citizens, who expressed their appreciation by waving their mobile torches. Thousands gathered despite the stadium reaching full capacity, and many were seen attempting to enter through the gates, where long queues formed. Strict security measures were put in place for the event, ensuring a safe environment for all attendees. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, and other distinguished personalities attended the concert. The event also featured the cutting of an Independence Day cake to mark the occasion. The night concluded with a magnificent fireworks display, adding a spectacular touch to the celebrations. Earlier in the afternoon, concertgoers began arriving, with crowds forming at the stadium's entrances, where they waited in long queues to gain access.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business Recorder
Country progressing rapidly after inflicting defeat on India: Azma
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, while addressing a grand concert held at Alhamra Cultural Complex Lahore in connection with Independence Day celebrations, said that Pakistan is now on a new journey, where the country is progressing rapidly after Operation 'Bunyan al-Marsoos.' She stated that the Pakistan Armed Forces not only defeated India on the borders but also dismantled its proxy networks inside the country. The concert was attended by Provincial Ministers Shafiq Hussain, Faisal Khokhar, Special Assistant Salma Butt, Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, DGPR Ghulam Saghir Shahid, Chairman Alhamra Razi Ahmed, and a large number of citizens. On this occasion, Azma Bokhari paid tribute to the youth, artists, and citizens participating in the event and said, 'We must protect our independence. From gaining independence to protecting it is our theme today. This is the mission we must continue at all costs.' She further said that India is trying to ignite conflict in different regions of Pakistan through its proxies, but the nation has complete trust in its armed forces. 'It is the duty of every Pakistani to uplift the morale of our soldiers,' she added. Azma Bokhari also revealed that internationally acclaimed singer Atif Aslam, despite the passing of his father, wished to attend the event out of national spirit. She said this sacrifice and commitment would be greatly appreciated. She further announced that a special event will be held on September 6, in which Atif Aslam will perform again. Due to high demand, ticket prices had been fixed for the event, but in respect of public sentiment, all ticket holders will now be refunded. The Punjab Information Minister said that the people of Pakistan remember the sacrifices of their martyrs, and it is because of these sacrifices that today we are celebrating our freedom. She concluded by praying, 'May Allah protect our country till the Day of Judgment. This nation is undefeatable, and no one can ever subdue it.' The event ended with national songs, public enthusiasm, and resounding chants of 'Pakistan Zindabad!' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
