Ali Tareen, the owner of Multan Sultans, criticizes the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for consistently choosing Ali Zafar to perform the anthem, igniting a discussion about the need for new talent.
The PSL has been criticized for announcing that Ali Zafar will perform the official anthem for its tenth edition, marking his fifth time in this role. This decision has drawn backlash, particularly from Ali Khan Tareen, the owner of Multan Sultans, who expressed his dissatisfaction on Instagram.
Tareen’s critique was: “With the myriad of phenomenal artists in Pakistan, it’s disheartening to see the anthem repeatedly handed to the same middle-aged individual, despite franchises expressing their concerns. They proclaim this to be the grandest PSL yet, yet they recycle the same voices.”
Zafar, who delivered the first three anthems of the league ‘Ab Khel Ke Dikha’ (2016), ‘Ab Khel Jamay Ga’ (2017), and ‘Dil Se Jaan Laga De’ (2018), made a comeback in 2024 with ‘Khul Ke Khel’ amidst legal challenges involving singer Meesha Shafi.
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Despite initial support from most franchises, resistance from one led to reconsideration, as Dawn reported. Nonetheless, Zafar’s recent duet with Aima Baig ultimately proceeded to release.
This decision has sparked a significant reaction on X (formerly Twitter), as many users echo Tareen’s concerns about the lack of diversity in selecting artists for such a high-profile role.
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