Khul Ke Khel Explained

Cover:Khul Ke Khel.png
Caption:Anthem cover
Khul Ke Khel
Type:promo
Artist:Ali Zafar and Aima Baig
Producer:Ali Zafar
Shani Arshad
Studio:Lightingale
Label:Lightingale
Recorded:2024[1]
Genre:Stadium anthem
Language:Urdu
Chronology:Pakistan Super League anthems
Prev Title:Sab Sitaray Humaray
Prev Year:2023
Misc:
Italic Title:no
Cinematography:Ahsan Raza
Studio:Tryangle Productions
Karawood Studio (shoot location)
Director:Soheb Aktar
Sonu Dangerous (dance choregorapher)
Producer:Arif
Adeel Akbar
Rehan Salaam
Nouman Saleem
Editing:Zahid
Runtime:[2]

"Khul Ke Khel" ([3]) is the official anthem of the 2024 Pakistan Super League, the ninth season of Pakistan Super League. Written and produced by Ali Zafar, it is sung by him and Aima Baig.[4]

Background

Ali Zafar had continuously been a part of the league thrice since its inaugural till 2018. However, after facing harassment allegations by Meesha Shafi in 2018, he could not be the part officially again despite not being proven guilty by the law.[5]

In mid-January 2024, it was reported that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had contacted Zafar to return this year for the anthem. He started working on three songs in November 2023 before one got finalized into planning phase. However, his contract was pulled when some franchises objected that his involvement would tarnish the league's image.[6] Zafar took his X social handle for an audience poll asking the same, which sparked further speculations.[7] [8]

However, days after then PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf resigned,[9] Aima Baig shared the news on 1 February through her Instagram handle that she signed in along with Zafar,[10] and the anthem title was officially revealed on 4 February with hashtag #KhulKeKhel.[11]

While Baig has performed two consecutive title anthems before in 2021 and 2022,[12] she has been a part of the league's multiple ceremonies since 2018.[13] [14]

Release

The anthem was released on 14 February 2024 across multiple social media platforms.[2] [15] Within two days, it topped on YouTube Music in Pakistan.[16] [17]

Opening ceremony

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, hosted its first opening ceremony for the league on 17 February 2024. Natasha Baig opened with the Leo Twins to perform "Qaumi Taranah", followed by a laser lighting display. Afterwards, Arif Lohar performed with his sons, and then Noori performed. Then, Zafar performed on all his previous anthems, followed by his collaboration with Baig for the current title anthem. The ceremony closed with the fireworks.[18] [19]

Reception

The anthem received mixed reception, with people comparing it with "Ab Khel Jamay Ga" – an anthem that became a symbol for the league.[20] [21] [22] Manahil Tahira wrote in The Express Tribune that Zafar's latest anthem may not be new due the similar "melodic structure", which may "evoke nostalgia for whom 7 years is a long time" and may be "boredom for those who remember".[23] [24] Samaa TV noted that with Zafar's "signature energy" and Baig's "captivating vocals", the anthem "captures the spirit of cricket and the passion of Pakistani fans".[25] Ameena Amin wrote for Startup Pakistan that the anthem's "upbeat tempo", "engaging lyrics", and "dynamic melody" sets an "electrifying cricket season".[26]

Soon after anthem's release, hashtag #KingIsBack was trending on X, with some people referring Zafar as the king of the cricket anthems, while others referring to Imran Khan.[27] [28] [29]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Ali Zafar, Aima Baig finish recording of PSL 9 anthem 'Khul Ke Khel'. Samaa TV. 7 February 2024. 7 February 2024.
  2. News: . 14 February 2024. ARY News. 14 February 2024. ur.
  3. News: Get your dancing shoes ready: Ali Zafar hypes up his upcoming PSL anthem. The Express Tribune. 5 February 2024. 5 February 2024.
  4. News: 'Khul Ke Khel': PCB releases official PSL 9 anthem. 15 February 2024. Geo News. 14 February 2024.
  5. News: Ali Zafar's melodic presence expected to elevate PSL 9 anthem. Cricket Pakistan. 30 January 2024. 5 February 2024. Saleem Khaliq.
  6. News: Franchises concerned as preparations lag behind schedule for PSL 9. Dawn. Zulqernain Tahir. 18 January 2024. 5 February 2024.
  7. News: . ur. Daily Jang. 13 January 2024. 5 February 2024.
  8. News: . ur. Hungama Express. 16 January 2024. 5 February 2024.
  9. News: Franchises concerned as preparations lag behind schedule for PSL 9. Cricket Pakistan. 2 February 2024. 5 February 2024.
  10. News: Ali Zafar and Aima Baig team up for PSL 9 anthem. Maheen Khawaja. Daily Pakistan. 2 February 2024. 5 February 2024.
  11. News: 'Khul Ke Khel': Ali Zafar finally shares title of PSL 9 anthem. Daily Pakistan. 5 February 2024. 5 February 2024.
  12. News: . ur. Hungama Express. 2 February 2024. 5 February 2024.
  13. News: Music and festivities as PSL 2018's grand finale kicks off in Karachi. Dawn. Zeeshan Ahmed. 25 March 2018. 7 February 2024.
  14. News: 'Sab sitarey' descend in Multan as PSL 8 officially kicks off with glittering opening ceremony. Dawn. 13 February 2023. 7 February 2024.
  15. News: . 19 February 2024. Daily Dunya. 14 February 2024. ur.
  16. Web site: new PSL anthem "Khul Ke Khel" trending on number one. 16 February 2024. 17 February 2024. Hello Pakistan. Instagram.
  17. News: . 19 February 2024. 24 News HD. 17 February 2024. ur.
  18. News: HBL PSL explodes into action. Alam Zeb Safi. 18 February 2024. 19 February 2024. The News.
  19. News: . 19 February 2024. Express News. 18 February 2024. ur.
  20. News: Too good or too dated? Ali Zafar's new PSL anthem divides fans. 15 February 2024. The Express Tribune. 15 February 2024.
  21. News: Ali Zafar And Aima Baig's PSL Anthem Khul Ke Khel Out. Pakeeza Dar. 15 February 2024. Review It. 15 February 2024.
  22. News: Brandsynario's Most & Least Favorite PSL Anthems. Huzaifa Gaba. 15 February 2024. Review It. 17 February 2024.
  23. News: 'Khul Ke Khel': Is good old 'naach gaana' the homeground of PSL anthems?. 15 February 2024. The Express Tribune. 15 February 2024. Manahil Tahira.
  24. News: Ali Zafar's PSL comeback with 'Khul Ke Khel' is officially here. 15 February 2024. The Express Tribune. 14 February 2024.
  25. News: Excitement builds as PSL Season 9 anthem 'Khul Ke Khel' released. 15 February 2024. Samaa TV. 14 February 2024.
  26. News: Ameena Amin. Watch Video: PSL 9 Anthem 'Khul ke Khel' Released. 15 February 2024. Startup Pakistan. 14 February 2024.
  27. News: Twitter Officially Crowned Ali Zafar As The King Of PSL Anthems!. Hiba Shehzad. 15 February 2024. Fuchsia Magazine. 17 February 2024.
  28. News: . 16 February 2024. Bol News. 17 February 2024. ur.
  29. Web site: PSL Anthem; Good Or Bad?. 17 February 2024. 17 February 2024. YouTube. Something Haute.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Khul Ke Khel".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.