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Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Seeking the X in PSL 10 anthem
One of the country's most awaited beats has hit the music scene with the release of Pakistan Super League's (PSL) latest official anthem, X Dekho. The star-studded song marks a significant milestone, celebrating the League's tenth anniversary, which is where the 'X' in the title comes from, but of course, one could also appropriately attribute it to the 'X factor' innuendo. Released on Wednesday, the track brings together a diverse ensemble of artists: Ali Zafar, Abrarul Haq, Natasha Baig, and Talha Anjum, all names that live in the hearts of Pakistan's music-lovers. With Zafar leading the charge, it rides on nostalgia and attitude — but does it hit the mark? Not quite. As always, the lyrics prepare for an exciting new season of the League, throwing down the gauntlet with lines like 'Roz macha shor / Aaj kuch hona hai' (Make noise everyday / Let everyone know something's happening) which are further enriched by Zafar and Baig's powerful voices that carry the lyrics with full force from beginning to end. It's a declaration of dominance, fitting for a sports anthem, but structurally, the song feels stitched together rather than a seamless ride. The beat is familiar, steady, and predictable — good for stadium chants but lacking the dynamism that could make it truly electrifying. The track teases at presenting a 'complete image' of Pakistan with a brief nod to Sindhi and Baloch folk sounds in the intro with string instruments and vocalisations but that's all it is. The actual song doesn't engage with these elements beyond a fleeting instrumental, making the representation feel token rather than organic, unlike the many ways in which Punjabi has been given center stage in previous PSL anthems. Effort vs execution Zafar carries the anthem, his return ensuring continuity with past PSL hits like Ab Khel Jamay Ga and Phir Se Jaan Laga De. Fans of the early anthems will appreciate his presence, but it comes at a cost. Baig, a powerhouse vocalist, barely gets a moment. Her voice adds texture, but she's reduced to an assist rather than a star. Anjum, back after the beloved Groove Mera, plays the same role — his rap is surgically precise, his flow smooth, and his lyrics razor-sharp. Yet, his segment feels like an isolated interlude rather than an integral part of the track. Haq, another big-name addition, injects Punjabi energy, yet his part doesn't blend in; it sticks out, feeling more like a remix add-on than a cohesive piece of the anthem. This segmentation is the song's Achilles' heel. While Zafar and Baig share space, Anjum and Haq's sections seem like cutaways, both musically and visually, which is a shame because they both add two unique styles and voices to an otherwise even song. Visually, the anthem oscillates between fiery cool and warm tones, cutting between grand stadium shots and earthy scenes of Kabaddi, cricket, and common cricket fans. It attempts to balance spectacle with authenticity, embracing traditional sound and indigenous pride. The effort is there, but the execution? Not quite as fluid. And then there's an eerie déjà vu — this all feels strangely similar to Hanumankind's Run It Up. From the juxtaposing grunge and earthy visuals to the indigenous instrumentals, it's hard to ignore the parallels. The high-energy running around, fiery backgrounds interrupting otherwise blue-tinged visuals, the steady drum tempo at the back; the sound of the Sindhi string instrument akin to Kerala's chenda sounds in Run It Up; the inclusion of common people to interrupt high energy and high contrast scenes; the segment with traditional kabaddi players adding yet another traditional touch to the song like the South Indian martial enamouring the Run It Up screen. It all begs the question: is the music scene so starved of inspiration that all songs that take pride in their birth countries must sound and look so similar? Whether intentional or coincidental, it adds another layer of disjointedness to an already fragmented track. X Dekho wants to be a decade-defining anthem, but instead, it's a collection of good elements that never fully fuse. It's got pride, power, and attitude, but not the cohesion to make it an all-time great. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Express Tribune
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
WATCH: HBL PSL X anthem teaser released
Listen to article The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped a teaser for the official anthem of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, featuring rockstar Ali Zafar. The brief clip, which promises an energetic anthem, showcases Zafar dancing to vibrant music, but keeps the theme of the song under wraps. The teaser ends with a 'Coming Soon' message, building anticipation among fans ahead of the full release. Zafar, a longstanding favorite, has previously composed and performed some of the most iconic PSL anthems. His hits include 'Ab Khel Ke Dikha' (2016), 'Ab Khel Jamay Ga' (2017), and 'Dil Se Jaan Laga De' (2018). It was initially expected that Ali Zafar would feature in the 2024 anthem, but controversy surrounding the project led to his separation after he had been formally approved. According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly caved to pressure from one of the PSL franchises. The franchise argued that Zafar had become "controversial" due to his past legal battle with fellow singer Meesha Shafi. As a result, they believed that having him perform the anthem would negatively impact public reception and the image of the PSL. Following his absence in recent seasons, Zafar's return to the PSL stage for Season 10 has generated immense excitement. Zafar's return comes after several seasons in which the PCB enlisted other artists for the anthem, much to the disappointment of fans. The full anthem is expected to drop soon as the PSL 10 kicks off on April 11, 2025. The Karachi Kings will take on Multan Sultans on April 12, 2025, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
Express Tribune
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Multan Sultans' owner Ali Tareen blasts PSL for Ali Zafar selection
Multan Sultans' owner Ali Khan Tareen has criticised the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over its decision to have Ali Zafar perform the anthem for the league's 10th edition, questioning the lack of diversity in artist selection. Taking to Instagram, Tareen expressed frustration over PSL's repeated reliance on Zafar, writing, "Pakistan has so many amazing artists. Yet almost half of our anthems have been given to the same middle-aged dude, despite franchises raising concerns. They talk about making this the biggest PSL ever, yet keep giving space to the same recycled voices." Repeated selection raises questions The PSL announced on Tuesday that Zafar would perform the official anthem for PSL X, marking his fifth time as the league's featured singer. He previously sang "Ab Khel Ke Dikha" (2016), "Ab Khel Jamay Ga" (2017), "Dil Se Jaan Laga De" (2018), and made a comeback with "Khul Ke Khel" in 2024 after a hiatus following legal issues with singer Meesha Shafi. Tareen's criticism reflects broader concerns over PSL's approach to artist selection. In the past, franchises have reportedly pushed for fresh voices, but the league has continued to bring back Zafar despite objections. What's next? Despite the backlash, PSL has not indicated any plans to reconsider its choice. A release date for Zafar's PSL 10 anthem has yet to be announced, while the tournament kicks off on April 11.
Express Tribune
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ali Zafar to perform official anthem for HBL PSL X
Renowned singer Ali Zafar has been selected to perform the official anthem for the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 10). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the announcement through the league's official social media channels. Zafar, who has composed the anthem himself, has a long-standing association with PSL, having previously delivered some of the league's most recognisable songs. His 2017 anthem, Ab Khel Jamay Ga, remains one of the most celebrated cricket anthems in Pakistan. His return has generated anticipation among fans, many of whom associate his music with PSL's energetic spirit. Zafar previously performed Ab Khel Ke Dikha in 2016, Ab Khel Jamay Ga in 2017, and Dil Se Jaan Laga De in 2018. PSL anthems have featured various artists over the years. In 2019, Khel Deewano Ka by Fawad Khan and Young Desi gained popularity. Tayyar Hain (2020) brought together Ali Azmat, Haroon, Asim Azhar, and Arif Lohar, while Groove Mera (2021) introduced a new musical style with Aima Baig, Naseebo Lal, and Young Stunners. Agay Dekh (2022) featured Atif Aslam and Aima Baig, followed by Sab Sitaray Humaray (2023), performed by Asim Azhar, Shae Gill, and Faris Shafi. PSL 10 will begin on April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United facing Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The six-team tournament will feature 34 matches across Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi, concluding on May 18. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the final. Rawalpindi will stage 11 matches, including the first Qualifier, while Karachi and Multan will host five matches each. Three double-headers are scheduled, with two on Saturdays and one on Labour Day (May 1). An exhibition match is also planned for April 8 in Peshawar, with team details to be announced later.
