PSL's Team Quetta unveils lackluster gladiator-themed Shahid Afridi tribute anthem

Performed by Bilal Maqsood and Ahmed Muratza, Quetta Gladiators' ‘Shaan e Pakistan’ feels devoid of energy

The Quetta Gladiators unveiled their official anthem for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 on Saturday night, the song being a tribute to Shahid Afridi, who will be capping off his PSL journey this season. Titled Shaan e Pakistan, the gladiator-themed anthem has been performed by former Strings member Bilal Maqsood, featuring rap by Ahmed Murtaza. The video of the song stars celebrity brand ambassadors for the Quetta Gladiators, including actors Ushna Shah and Adnan Siddiqui, as well as comedian Shafaat Ali.

Featuring the lyrics “Aik shola jal raha hai dil mein [There is a fire burning in my heart],” the video sees the cast carrying torches in typical Roman fashion, with Afridi, Shah and Siddiqui also donning traditional gladiator attire. Swords transform into cricket bats and the costumes shift from the official kit to capes and armours. Afridi’s gladiator chances upon a chest, and upon opening it finds the Quetta Gladiators’ kit lying in wait. While the anthem doesn’t necessarily make too much of an impact, being forgettable and lacking in energy, the video manages to grab the attention of the viewer.

The video was shared on the team’s official Twitter, with the post reading, “We are charged and ready to conquer.”

Unleashing the Gladiators official anthem for @thePSLt20 Season 7! 🔥⚔️⁰The #PurpleForce
We are charged & ready to conquer. 🔱#ShaanePakistan ⁰by @bilalxmaqsood. @SAfridiOfficial @ushnashah @iamshafaatali @mnawaz94 @sohailmalik614 @iNaseemShah @halffullstudio #HBLPSL7 pic.twitter.com/YeVFogb8MR

— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) January 22, 2022

Several reactions to the anthem following the music video’s release.

This is just terrible. A sports anthem should be energetic & charged not a chill ballad. https://t.co/0gl9mweCG8

— Mahwash Ajaz 🇵🇰 (@mahwashajaz_) January 23, 2022

Song/music didn't justify video. They should ask Peshawar Zalmi how to make a song

— Muhammad Usama (@usama_butt) January 22, 2022

This does song does not reflect the true spirit of gladiators. And there is lack energy as well. I think they have invested more in celebs than the players. PSL 4 anthem of was best as it was more about the players and the way QG plays.

— Abdullah Bin Ishtiaq (@AbdullahBinIsh6) January 22, 2022

Song mein koi energy hi nahi. Cricket song should be existing and energetic.

— Shaheer Hussain Qazi (@Firebolt_SE) January 22, 2022

Where is the team captain @SarfarazA_54 @TeamQuetta did you forget to cast him or this is intentional.#JustPakistanThings https://t.co/3YZHE7tidy

— Irfan Raza (@IrfanRa77695612) January 23, 2022

Without @SarfarazA_54 ??? Official anthem? Without the captain with key players as gladiators? Like really? https://t.co/dLWp26TUaD

— Vaquas Alvi (@VaquasAlvi_) January 23, 2022

Great direction and choreography but there's no tune to this track

Chrous might sound better in a stadium https://t.co/XM1SsQWz3k

— Hasaan Saeed (@HasaanSaeed) January 22, 2022

Afridi previously announced his shift from the Multan Sultans to the Quetta Gladiators, with this being his fourth PSL shift. The season is set to be the cricketer’s last. He was previously quoted as saying, "I am excited to join Quetta Gladiators, a side that has had a roller-coaster ride in the past few events despite winning the title in 2019. In my final PSL event, it will be my dream and wish to sign off with another PSL trophy after tasting success with Peshawar Zalmi in 2017. PSL is an event that encourages and inspires a player to give his very best. I will use the same motivation to help my team and put up performances that can help us achieve our event objectives."