The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the official anthem for the country’s premier Twenty20 cricket event, which is set to begin next week. The inaugural season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) tournament was conducted in the United Arab Emirates in February 2016 since certain foreign cricketers were hesitant to play in the South Asian country due to security concerns. The PSL and its franchises began developing their own anthems to market themselves while inspiring their supporters. Many of these songs were quite famous and eventually took on a life of their own outside of the competition.
1. Ab Khel Ke Dikha (2016)
“Ab Khel Ke Dikha” was the official anthem of the 2016 Pakistan Super League, the league’s inaugural season. Ali Zafar wrote and performed the song. Ali Zafar created and recorded the song in his studio after being invited by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to create an anthem for the PSL’s debut season, which began in February 2016. As backup vocalists, he was accompanied by a chorus of 25 male and female singers. Due to the worldwide aspect of the competition, according to Zafar, the music video for the remix of the song was published on 4 February 2016 by HBL Pakistan, on audio of which Zafar subsequently performed at the opening ceremony of PSL season I.
2. Ab Khel Jamay Ga (2017)
“Ab Khel Jamay Ga” was the official anthem of the 2017 Pakistan Super League, the league’s second season. Ali Zafar wrote and sang the song, which was published on January 1, 2017 by HBL Pakistan. Ali Zafar said in late December 2016 that he was honoured to have been picked again by the Pakistan Cricket Board to write, compose, and perform the anthem for PSL season II. “After last year’s tremendous reception, I expect expectations to be considerably greater this year,” he added. “It was only the beginning last time (for PSL season I).
On January 29, 2017, HBL Pakistan released the music video, which featured Pakistani cricketers Ramiz Raja, Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Gul, and Ahmed Shehzad. The official YouTube account of Pakistan Super League also posted a music video and audio with the PSL emblem in the background of the anthem.
3. Dil Se Jaan Laga De (2018)
It was the official song of the 2018 Pakistan Super League, the league’s third season. Ali Zafar’s Lightingale Studios wrote, composed, and sang the song, which was published on January 28 by Silent Roar Productions and HBL Pakistan.
Junaid Khan confirmed the video shot on December 22. HBL Pakistan released the anthem on 28 January 2018, the same day the Pakistani cricket team was rated first in the ICC T20I Championship.
Pakistani cricketers such as Khan, Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Gul, Fakhar Zaman, Umar Amin, Babar Azam, Rumman Raees, Usman Shinwari, Faheem Ashraf, and Amad Butt appear in the music video getting ready on the pitch. Rameez Raja may also be seen drumming, Shoaib Malik boxing, and Ahmed Shehzad playing guitars in the video.
The tune of this song was also performed at the end of the 2019 Pakistan Super League opening ceremony.
4. Khel Deewano Ka (2019)
The tune was the official anthem of the fourth season of the Pakistan Super League, the 2019 Pakistan Super League. Shuja Haider wrote and produced the song, which was sung by Fawad Khan and included rap by Young Desi. HBL Pakistan launched it on January 18th.
Khan’s management quickly verified the story. Haider has already worked on various songs about cricket in Pakistan. “This is the first time I’m composing the PSL anthem,” he told The Express Tribune, adding, “I’ve also written the song.” The anthem’s music video was posted simultaneously on Facebook and YouTube on January 18, following an announcement the day before. It depicts fans holding their team’s playcards.
5. Tayyar Hain (2020)
It was the official song of the fifth season of the Pakistan Super League, the 2020 Pakistan Super League. It was composed by Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan (Xulfi) and performed by Ali Azmat, Haroon, Asim Azhar, and Arif Lohar. HBL Pakistan, in cooperation with Pepsi Pakistan, introduced it on January 28.
A day before its release, the anthem was formally unveiled. According to the press release, the song will depict national pride as Pakistan prepares to host all of the league’s matches for the first time.
6. Groove Mera (2021)
It was the official song of the 2021 Pakistan Super League, the league’s sixth season. Adnan Dhool wrote the song, which was performed by Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig, and Young Stunners.
It was announced on January 16, 2021, that Aima Baig, Naseebo Lal, and Young Stunners will perform the official hymn for the sixth season of the PSL. Adnan Dhool wrote the words for the EDM-anthem, which conveys the facts of the COVID-19 epidemic for TV audiences and the feelings of cricketers; it was composed by Xulfi. Fida Moin directed the music video, which was released on February 6, 2021.
7. Agay Dehk PSL 7 (2022)
Abdullah Siddiqui produced and wrote the song, which was sung by Atif Aslam and Aima Baig. TikTok published it on January 24, 2022.
The music video, directed by Zeeshan Perwez, was shot in Lahore from January 19 to 21, including outside shots at Gaddafi Stadium and inside at Bari and Evernew Studios. Some of the fans that were summoned by PCB to join the shoot leaked a few making-of scenes. The first official teaser was uploaded on the PSL’s official Tik-Tok account on January 23, followed by the anthem on January 24.
8. Sab Sitaray Humaray (2023)
It is the official anthem of the 2023 Pakistan Super League, the league’s ninth season. Abdullah Siddiqui produced and wrote the song, which was sung by Shae Gill and Asim Azhar and included rap by Faris Shafi. HBL Pakistan published it on February 11, 2023.
Which one’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
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