Too good or too dated? Ali Zafar's new PSL anthem divides fans

‘Khul Ke Khel’ marks the singer's return to the cricket league after 5 years

It’s cricket season again as all enthusiasts await the return of Pakistan Super League’s 9th edition. As per tradition since the league’s founding in 2017, the official PSL anthem for 2024 was unveiled on Wednesday, marking Pakistani singer Ali Zafar’s comeback as the cricket song crooner. 

The anthem, titled Khul Ke Khel has captivated fans with its catchy beats and spirited lyrics, becoming a trending topic across various online platforms. Zafar, who also sang the first three PSL songs including Ab Khel Jamay Ga, teamed up with singer Aima Baig for the track which has garnered over 750,000 views on YouTube and is number 4 on trending.

Despite the buzz preceding the anthem’s release, its reception so far has been divided. Remarking on Zafar’s consistent efforts for the past few years to headline the annual song, one user on the microblogging platform X said, “Imagine running a campaign for years to make a silly song and the other party agreeing to make half the country's population mad and running into a PR disaster to let you do it. Only to come up with a song that sounds like it should have been released in 2001.”

Lmao imagine running a campaign for years to make a silly song and the other party agreeing to make half the country's population mad and running into a PR disaster to let you do it.

Only to come up with a song that sounds like it should have been released in 2001. https://t.co/o17QtnXIWZ

— Aimun (@bluemagicboxes) February 14, 2024

Another contested the relevance of the song’s lyricism to a sports league. “There was already little hype of this PSL and they’ve killed any that remained with this what should’ve been a ghazal,” penned the X user. “PSL is going to be unbearable because of this. Also, the lyrics seem to be borrowed from his first song in some places. The guy is just stuck there,” maintained another.

There was already little hype of this PSL and they’ve killed any that remained with this what should’ve been a ghazal https://t.co/zER43cf1Re

— Shayk🪁🌳🚉🚴🏽🏙🏎 (@shaykshack) February 14, 2024

PSL is going to be unbearable coz of this.

Also, the lyrics seem to be borrowed from his first song at some places. The guy is just stuck there. https://t.co/qq8YWz3Ipm

— Shahrukh (@shahrookhh) February 14, 2024

Echoing a similar criticism, one post joked, “Words can’t describe this banger but numbers can 0.5/10.” “What is this s***? Neither the video nor the lyrics represent that it's the PSL anthem. Sounds more like some movie song,” contended another X post.

Words can’t describe this banger but numbers can 0.5/10 https://t.co/Wy2tONrBC9

— Taimoor Abbasi (@FracturedMalang) February 14, 2024

What is this shit?
Niether the video nor the lyrics representing, that it's the PSL Anthem.
Sounds more like some movie song. https://t.co/LKBPLrffsT

— Ramiz (@Ramiz_Hasan) February 14, 2024

However, others not only enjoy Khul Ke Khel but also appear baffled at the criticism dominating the internet. “It is actually good,” insisted a fan while another celebrated Zafar’s return with joy. “Ali Zafar never disappoints. Finally a better anthem in recent years.”

FFS it is actually good. https://t.co/61Tiaa2MBx

— Abdullah (@michaelscottfc) February 14, 2024

Ali Zafar never dissappoints 💥💥

Finally a better anthem in recent years... ❤

— Maze (@Maze_6999) February 14, 2024

While critics stressed the similarity between Zafar’s latest and his 2017 song, one fan expressed the latter would remain their all-time favourite. “Finally a good PSL song after a long time by Ali Zafar. However, Ab Khel Jamey Ga will always be my number 1 PSL Song.”

Finally a Good PSL song after a long time by @AliZafarsays . However AB KHEL JAMEGA will Always be my No. 1 PSL Song 😍#PSL9 #PSL2024

— Waqar Afridi (@WakaAfridi) February 14, 2024

“This PSL anthem keeps growing on you as you listen 2, 3 or more times. Lyrics are good, beat is nice. Aima’s entry and his commercial look add spice,” defended another post while someone else echoed the compliment, declaring it the best. “This is awesome! Brilliant energy and powerful lyrics. Surely the best PSL had ever.”

This PSL ANTHEM keep growing on years as listen 2 3 or more times.

Lyrics is good
Beat is nice
Aima entry and his commercial look add spice
All in all feel tu ha anthem me.

Keep listening i must say a job well done by @AliZafarsays and co.#KhulKeKhel
#

— Muhammad Umair Ali (@Cricket_Deewane) February 14, 2024

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