Cricket in Pakistan is more than just a sport; it’s an emotion. From children playing in the streets to fans waving flags in packed stadiums, the energy is undeniable. Though, the Pakistan cricket team’s performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been abysmal, leaving fans heartbroken after hoping to see the team
successfully defend its title on home soil, these songs still bring a sense of joy—if for nothing else, then at least in remembering past victories and holding onto the hope that, perhaps next time, we might do better. But how well do you remember the songs? Take this quiz to find out!

1. ‘Hum Hain Pakistani’ became an iconic cricket anthem in the late ’90s. Who sang this patriotic song?

a) Haroon Rashid

b) Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

c) Vital Signs

d) Shafqat Amanat Ali

3. Who composed ‘Dil Se Jaan Laga De’, the official PSL anthem of 2018?

a) Fawad Khan

b) Ali Zafar

c) Farhan Saeed

d) Asim Azhar

5. Which song is one of Awaz’s most popular patriotic tracks, often heard in stadiums whenever Pakistani players are on the field?

a) ’Janey Kaun Thi Haseena’

b) ‘Jadoo Ka Charagh’

c) ‘Diya’

d) ‘Aai Jawan’

2. Which Pakistan Super League (PSL) season featured ‘Groove Mera’ as its official anthem, performed by Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig, and Young Stunners?

a) 2017

b) 2019

c) 2021

d) 2023

4. ‘Sohni Dharti’, one of Pakistan’s most beloved national songs, was originally written by which writer?

a) Fayyaz Hashmi

b) Masroor Anwar

c) Akhtar Yousuf

d) Tanveer Naqvi

Answers

1. The correct answer is c.

‘Hum Hain Pakistani’ was sung by Vital Signs in the late ’90s and became a defining song of that era. The compilation album titled Hum Hain Pakistani – Mega Remix was released in 1997 as a reissue of their 1995 hit album Hum Tum, featuring two new tracks: ‘Khelon Sey Zindagi’ and ‘Hum Hain Pakistani’. While many of their songs were written by Shoaib Mansoor, this song was penned by Hasan Akbar Kamal, and Taher Khan. Despite being released in 1997, it continues to be played during cricket tournaments and other sporting events, remaining a nostalgic favourite for fans.

2. The correct answer is c.

‘Groove Mera’ was released for PSL 6 (a Twenty20 tournament featuring Pakistani and foreign players) in 2021. Written by Adnan Dhool and composed by Zulfiqar (Xulfi) Jabbar Khan, it introduced a unique blend of pop, folk and rap, marking a departure from traditional anthems. The music video, directed by Fida Moin, featured prominent Pakistani cricketers, including Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Wahab Riaz and Sarfaraz Ahmed, representing their respective PSL teams. This song received a polarising response, with fans either loving or hating it in equal measure. With over 21 million views on YouTube, it remains the second most-viewed PSL anthem after ‘Ab Khel Jamay Ga’, which has over 23 million views. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the most-liked and the most-disliked PSL anthem on YouTube.

3. The correct answer is b.

Ali Zafar composed and sang ‘Dil Se Jaan Laga De’ for PSL 2018. The song’s high-energy beats and patriotic theme made it a hit among fans. This was Zafar’s third consecutive PSL anthem, following ‘Ab Khel Ke Dekha’ for the inaugural season in 2016 and ‘Ab Khel Jamay Ga’ in 2017. After three successful anthems, PSL organisers opted for different musical acts in subsequent years. However, Zafar’s PSL songs remain an integral part of Pakistan’s cricketing history, holding a special place among cricket anthems.

4. The correct answer is b.

Shahnaz Begum originally sang ‘Sohni Dharti’, a song that remains a favourite in national celebrations. Written by the late Masroor Anwar—renowned as a ghazal poet, film lyricist and screenwriter—the song carries deep patriotic sentiment. Anwar also penned some of Pakistan’s most iconic songs, including ‘Akelay Na Jaana Hamein Chhorr Kar Tum’, ‘Ko Ko Korina’, and ‘Dil Dharke Mein Tum Se Yeh Kaise Kahoon’. He won the Nigar Award for Best Screenplay Writer multiple times and received the Pride of Performance Award from the President of Pakistan. Though ‘Sohni Dharti’ has been covered multiple times, including in Coke Studio Season 8, the original version remains unmatched in its emotional depth. Some classics are best left untouched, and this song is one of them. Its lyrics and melody continue to inspire generations, making it one of Pakistan’s most cherished anthems.

5. The correct answer is d.

The group was formed by Haroon Rashid, the lead vocalist, who was soon joined by keyboardist Faakhir Mehmood and lead guitarist Asad Ahmed in Islamabad in 1992. Awaz was one of the most successful pop bands of the ’90s. Though all the songs mentioned were major hits from their three albums, the band began disintegrating in 1997 and lead guitarist Asad Ahmed left to form his own band, Karavan. In September that year, Awaz released ‘Aai Jawan’, though the video only featured Haroon and Faakhir. Soon thereafter, the band broke up, with each of its three members pursuing solo careers. This song remains one of Pakistan’s best patriotic tracks, often heard during cricket matches and other sporting events.