Ali Tareen slams PSL for picking Ali Zafar again for tournament's anthem

Multan Sultans’ owner Ali Khan Tareen has criticised the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for selecting singer Ali Zafar once again to perform the tournament’s official anthem. This will be the fifth time Zafar is singing the PSL anthem, and many fans and franchise owners are not happy with the decision.

Tareen shared his thoughts on Instagram, saying that Pakistan has many talented artists, but the PSL keeps choosing the same person. He wrote:

"Pakistan has so many amazing artists. Yet almost half of our anthems have been given to the same middle-aged dude, despite franchises raising concerns about the artist. They talk about making this the biggest PSL ever, yet keep giving space to the same recycled voices…"

Zafar sang the anthems for the first three seasons — Ab Khel Ke Dikha (2016), Ab Khel Jamay Ga (2017), and Dil Se Jaan Laga De (2018). He returned last year with Khul Ke Khel, which also faced controversy because of his legal case with singer Meesha Shafi. Despite concerns from some franchises, the anthem with Aima Baig was released in 2024.

The news of Zafar singing again for PSL 10 has divided fans. Many people on social media supported Tareen’s statement and said that PSL should give a chance to new singers. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Is there anyone else in Pakistan who can sing?” Another person posted, “Not moving on from Ali Zafar after this many PSL seasons shows how much the country has progressed… not!”

The 10th season of HBL PSL will start on April 11, with Islamabad United facing Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The tournament will have six teams and 34 matches from April 11 to May 18.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including two Eliminators and the final. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the first Qualifier on May 13. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches.

Before the tournament starts, there will be an exhibition match on April 8 in Peshawar. The teams for this match will be announced later.

The tournament will also have three double-headers — two on Saturdays and one on Labour Day, May 1.