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.
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