The PSL 2020 Anthem dropped yesterday and Twitter sped into cataclysmic fits as fans cancelled the song entirely. There was much uproar about the composition, the mood, the mix, and of course, the singers (some iconic ones). The HBL franchise was criticised for rendering a disappointing version of musical cricketing jazba, not matching up to previous anthem(s) and the mood felt strongly like a throwback to Coke Studio’s Koko Korina Days with Momina and Ahad! Oh my, the wrath of the Twitter nation when things don’t go as planned!
There is a very fine line between the sublime and the foolish, and apparently, the formidable maestros of yesteryears – Ali Azmat, Haroon, Arif Lohar and Asim Azhar (not so yesteryear) were not up to the task as opposed to ahem … yours truly – Ali Zafar. Interestingly enough, I watched 3 past anthems on repeat this morning, and the one that came out as the top winner was no other than our musical drama hero – Fawad Khan – any one recall Khel Dewano Ka?
Coming back to PSL 2020 – GUYS! Let’s not move away from the main play – the game itself. The nation wants to celebrate, and though I admit the tune was a tad forgettable, the PSL 2020 Anthem won on several points, however, the drawbacks were so glaring, that we feel it is our qaumi duty to point them out to none other than the qaum itself!
1. Rekindling the Celebratory Spirit – Awami Feels!
The anthem emitted an awami feel, steeped in cricket fever. From exuberant fans rocking the beat in the back streets and gulli koochays of small towns, to stealing a glance in between office meetings, to ordinary citizens dancing atop buses, the video engaged on all points awami and that touched my heart. Even the mini chai khokha at the onset was so very real, I felt connected. This is the Pakistan I am familiar with, and the song brought that home to me. Anyone who has participated in, or watched a cricket match in Pakistan will totally get the real feels of this one!
What took away a tiny bit or a bit more maybe? Asim, Ali and Haroon – you need to rehearse those dance moves – like, seriously?
2. Ethnic Feels made it Inclusive
The wardrobe, the look, young female and male fans moving to the resounding drum beat, the turbaned cricket fan joining in street celebrations gave an intrinsic, (yet subtle), ethnic feel. The PSL5 is all about Pakistan, and this time, it will be hosted entirely in Pakistan.
Multan will host a game in a brand new stadium after many years – can you imagine the excitement on the ground? Can you imagine what a person hailing from Multan will be doing on the day of the games? There will definitely be a festive spirit in the air, and Tayyar Hain caught the fervour early! This anthem gets full marks for engaging the entire nation and not excluding the masses! Well done on that!
Just one hang up – Why oh why those pants Asim? Where was your style expert?
3. Glimpses of our Cricketing Heroes!
Loved our Cricketing heroes making an entrance. Babar Azam rocked the field, he’s been in iconic form, so it was super great to see him starring in the anthem. And perhaps, the most endearing was the shot of Sarfraz, who’s been out of luck lately. Sarafraz kay Sitaare gardish mein thay, we hear he’s been working on his form. And we’re hoping his image gets a boost with this song. (Incidentally he has captained the team more than any other player in PSL games over the years)! We wish him a smashing return to form!
Our reservation? We have more heroes, and we wanted to see them too! That would have evoked some serious cricket jazbaat – isn’t that what you were hoping for HBL?
4. The Magical Maestros Return
Hey Millenials, do you know who’s Haroon, Ali Azmat and Arif Lohar? You might know of Asim Azhar, but it’s good to see the musical greats coming together to engender some cracking PSL jazba! The problem? A coming together of 4 Powerhouses meant heightened expectations. However, the composition fell a tad short – you needed to up your game because we know you’re capable of more. Also, missing in action – the trademark Chimta with Arif Lohar. What made him abandon it?
What made the anthem fall short of awesome? The tune did not really gel with the masses, however, the spirit did!
5. The Sponsor presence was more tasteful than previous versions
In older PSL anthems, we were heavily bombarded with sponsor images that spoilt the organic feel of the music. Come Tayyar Hain, the makers have definitely matured, and we applaud them. Pepsi is present but not over-present. The video has thus, retained some of the non-contrived feel and we welcomed the difference! Well done on that one!
Hence I hope you share my sentiments. Although I loved what I saw, but the PSL Anthem fell short of what could have been a thunderous success!
And for those who’re still wondering what we’re talking about? Here’s the PSL 2020 Anthem in full! Enjoy and tell us how it was?
In pictures – Karachi on PSL 2019
Get the Full Match Schedule for PSL 2020 here.
