Atif Aslam's ICC Champions Trophy anthem packs a punch
Performed by Aslam, produced by Abdullah Siddiqui and co-written by Adnan Dhool and Asfanyar Asad, Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke is the perfect high-octane track worthy of the return of the Champions Trophy to Pakistan after a gap of eight years.
High-energy vocals and visuals
The video features Aslam and a horde of what we can only assume are cricket aficionados dancing along the streets, mimicking the nation's love affair with the sport, be it on the streets or in the stadium. Aslam's accompanying dancers hold aloft a set of flags representing each of the nations participating in the Champions Trophy, symbolising the unifying power of both sport and music. With never a dull moment, segments of the song dip into a video game-like simulation as would-be players (men and women alike) select a bat of their choice.
This celebratory dance number may be set in a minor key, but it is powered by an upbeat tempo that defies you to sit still and fuels the excitement and adrenaline only an upcoming cricket tournament can bring. Whatever the outcome of the tournament, both music and cricket fans can at least jive along to a new anthem to keep the mood upbeat should a tense cricket match begin to slip into the jaws of defeat.
The fast-paced lyrics may spitfire past you on the first listen, but no one will be able to deny that Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke is an electrifying homage to cricket. In under two minutes, we have received the message loud and clear: cricket is in our blood, it is to be revered, and most important of all, it is coming back.
What the fans are saying
Whether Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke will slip into the hallowed halls of immortal cricket songs and dethrone Dil Dil Pakistan is debatable, but the fusion of pop and pounding traditional beats alongside Aslam's soaring voice makes the song irresistible to listen to – and fans in the comments section agree.
"Probably the best ICC Champions Trophy song," wrote one fan, having been won over by the banger. Yet another fan commented, "What a song. Epic! Atif is always giving his best! Loved it. Perfect song for the perfect occasion."
Taking note of the appearance of flags in the video, one commenter penned their thoughts on Aslam's ability to foster cross-border relations. "Atif Aslam is the bridge between borders," penned the user, adding three emojis for the Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi flags.
What sets the track apart is its very existence, since previous Champions Trophy tournaments did not feature an official anthem. However, with Aslam on board in this tightly knitted number, the upcoming tournament will have the benefit of music-fuelled adrenaline even if the sporting fixtures themselves fail to live up to expectations.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to start on February 19, beginning with a Pakistan-New Zealand clash. The tournament will see the top eight One Day International teams competing, with matches set to take place in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Another tri-series on cards involving Pakistan
Pakistan's players celebrate as Bangladesh's Tanzid Hasan (R) walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal during the first Twenty20 international cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 20. Photo: AFP Listen to article It looks like Pakistan are set to be involved in another tri-series next year with Australia and potentially Bangladesh, scheduled for February 2026. The series is likely to be played ahead of the T20 World Cup, a source within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed. Cricket Australia has a longstanding tradition of touring the subcontinent ahead of major ICC events to acclimatise properly. In 2021, Australia toured Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series and, similarly, played a Test and ODI series in Sri Lanka to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. With India and Sri Lanka scheduled to host the mega event in February–March, Australia are set to play three T20Is against Pakistan. However, discussions are underway to convert the bilateral series into a tri-nation competition. Read More: Bangladesh take second T20I for first series win over Pakistan A BCB official confirmed that, at this stage, no formal proposal has been tabled by the Pakistan Cricket Board, but informal conversations have taken place on the sidelines of the ongoing Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka. According to local media, the PCB is eager to include Bangladesh in the series following improved bilateral relations between the two boards. It is expected that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will formally discuss the tri-nation proposal with BCB counterpart Aminul Islam Bulbul on the sidelines of the ACC meeting. Naqvi, who is also the ACC President, is currently in Dhaka for the ACC Annual General Meeting scheduled for July 24–25. If finalised, the series would feature seven matches, with each team playing the other two sides twice, followed by a final between the top two. Meanwhile, a similar initiative is in motion involving Pakistan's scheduled T20I series against Afghanistan. On July 5, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chairman Mirwais Ashraf confirmed that talks are underway to transform the series into a tri-nation tournament, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the third team and host. Also Read: Faheem slams Mirpur pitch The ACB chief further stated that the proposed tri-nation series will serve as a vital opportunity for their men's cricket team to prepare for the ACC Men's Asia Cup, scheduled for later this year.
Express Tribune
10-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Hasan eyes Asia Cup, T20 World Cup
Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has expressed his views about his potential participation in the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2026. In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, the pacer shared that his selection will depend entirely on his performance in the coming months. Talking about the importance of delivering strong performances, Hasan said,"If I perform well, the team management will definitely give me a chance. Representing Pakistan is an honour for me. I always try to give 110 percent and aim to do something for the country and the fans." Reflecting on his international journey, Hasan opened up about the ups and downs he has faced over the years. "Since my international debut on August 18, 2016, I have experienced many ups and downs over the course of my nine-year career, but I never let my love and passion for cricket weaken. I've always learned that each morning brings new hope, and as long as your hands and feet are functional, you should keep working hard," he added. Despite being a regular part of discussions around Pakistan's fast bowling depth, Hasan Ali has not been included in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. According to sources his exclusion is due to county commitments in England. The pacer went on to praise former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed for his leadership, achievements, and strong bond with the team. Speaking about Sarfaraz's influence and leadership qualities, Hasan said, "Sarfaraz is closest to our hearts. He led us to victory in the Champions Trophy, kept the team united, and took us all along with him. Spending time with him was a learning experience." Hasan also spoke about another teammate, highlighting his captaincy style. "Similarly, Shadab Khan is an aggressive captain," he added. Sarfaraz Ahmed captained Pakistan to several memorable wins, including the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy triumph, and remains a respected figure among current and former players. Under his captaincy, Pakistan also won 11 consecutive T20I series. He opened up about the reason behind his famous phrase "King kar lay ga," which became popular among fans and media. The pacer shared the emotional connection behind those words and praised Babar Azam for his consistency and class. Speaking about the phrase, Hasan said, "The phrase 'King kar lay ga' (King will do it) came not just from my mouth, but from my heart." He went on to praise Babar Azam's talent and leadership qualities, calling him one of the best batters of this era. "Babar has proven with his performance and attitude that he is the best batter of this era. We all gave him the title of 'King'. Although he unfortunately couldn't win the trophy, he is still considered among Pakistan's best captains," Hasan said. Explaining his famous quote further, Hasan added, "That line came straight from the heart, not just the tongue. Legendary players like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root praise his batting. If you ask people whether Babar's cover drive is better or Kohli's, most would choose Babar." He recalled a painful moment in his cricket career that he says will stay with him forever. Hasan opened up about the dropped catch during the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia — a moment he believes changed the course of the match and possibly the tournament. Speaking about that incident, Hasan said, "Dropping that catch in the World Cup is a moment that will stay with me forever." He admitted that the catch should have been taken and accepted that it might have cost Pakistan a place in the final. "If I had taken that catch, maybe we would have won the match and then possibly lifted the trophy too. That label - that I dropped that catch - will always stay with me," he said. Hasan also spoke about how the reaction from fans affected him. "I deeply respect my fans, whether they remember me with kind words or harsh ones — all are respectable to me. True fans always stood by me. When I dropped that catch, many people turned their backs on me, but there were also some who raised their voice in my support, defended me on social media, and spoke for me on TV. I thank all of them," he added. Recalling a painful incident that happened after the dropped catch, he said, "Once, when I was going to the airport, someone looked at my face and hands and sarcastically asked, 'Are these the same hands that dropped the catch?' I still remember many such moments."
Express Tribune
09-07-2025
- Express Tribune
IPL value surges to $18.5bn: report
The Indian Premier League's business value has been estimated at $18.5 billion with reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru its wealthiest franchise, according to a report by an investment bank. The world's richest cricket tournament has been a top revenue earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and in 2020 was estimated to generate more than $11 billion a year for the Indian economy. According to US investment bank Houlihan Lokey, which has valued several sports franchises around the world, the brand value of the 10-team T20 franchise tournament has seen a sharp rise of 13.8 percent to $3.9 billion over the past year. Bengaluru, who along with star player Virat Kohli won their first IPL title this year, have overtaken five-time winners Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to achieve a brand value of $269 million. Mumbai is second with $242 million, followed by Chennai at $235 million. The Houlihan Lokey report called the IPL "a global phenomenon" that has become more than just a cricket league. "The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors," Harsh Talikoti from Houlihan Lokey, said in a statement. "The league's ability to attract global investors and sponsors reflects its status as a premier sports property with enduring appeal." Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings for the title at the world's biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad in June to conclude the 18th edition of the league. The report said the 2025 final had more than 678 million views on the official streaming platform JioHotstar, surpassing the India-Pakistan clash during the Champions Trophy in February this year. The IPL, which is broadcast around the world and features top international stars such as Australia's Pat Cummins and England's Jos Buttler, mixes sport and showbusiness in a glitzy format, with a number of teams fronted by Bollywood movie superstars. Since it launched in 2008 it has inspired a range of other franchise-based leagues in India in sports as diverse as boxing, badminton, poker and kabaddi, and spawned copycat cricket tournaments elsewhere.
