Should Ali Zafar sing PSL anthem this season?

With Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 approaching fast, cricket fans look forward to the tournament's anthem to add to their thrill and excitement for the event.

The nation is all set to host PSL, one of the most anticipated cricketing events next month. However, many people wonder whose voice will feature in the league's anthem, which is another prominent aspect of PSL.

When it comes to PSL songs, the first name that comes to mind is Pakistani singing sensation Ali Zafar, who has given anthems for the first three seasons of the tournament.

In 2016, Ali Zafar sang and produced Ab Khel Ke Dikha. The following year, the anthem Ab Khel Jamay Ga broke records of cricket anthems, becoming the most popular song following its release in 2018. Next year, Dil Se Jaan Laga De by Zafar came out as the anthem for season 3.

Fawad Khan and Young Desi also joined forces for the 2019 anthem titled Khel Deewano Ka, written by Shuja Haider, which also gained some prominence, while Tayyar Hain in 2020 featured the collective talents of Ali Azmat, Haroon, Asim Azhar, and Arif Lohar.

The 2021 anthem, Groove Mera, brought together Aima Baig, Naseebo Lal, and Young Stunners, capturing the essence of the game.

Agay Dekh in 2022 showcased Atif Aslam and Aima Baig's musical prowess, with lyrics by Abdullah Siddiqui and Natasha Noorani.

The 2023 anthem, Sab Sitaray Humaray, features Asim Azhar, Shae Gill, and Faris Shafi, who took the honours.

However, fans always compared Ab Khel Jamay Ga with all of the songs.

This time around, Zafar posted on X (formerly Twitter) and openly questioned the potential impact of his involvement in creating the anthem for the PSL this year and asked people to vote.

He sought honest opinions from the public, pondering whether such a contribution would bolster the image of both the PSL and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), strengthen the connection with the audience, and generate increased financial benefits for all stakeholders.

Zafar expressed a lack of ego and emphasised his genuine interest in understanding the sentiments and preferences of the people of Pakistan, contrasting them with the perspectives of a select few individuals holding influential or authoritative positions.

In another post, he stressed that he would give an explanation of this post later and urge people to vote only.

Earlier, the PCB released the schedule of PSL 9, to be commenced on February 17, at the PCB’s headquarters in Lahore. The opening match will feature the two-time champions and current titleholders, Lahore Qalandars, facing off against Islamabad United, winners of the 2016 and 2018 editions.