So, you think you know: Pakistani cricket anthems

February 23, 2025

Cricket is more than just a sport in Pakistan; it’s a deep-rooted passion. Whether it’s kids playing gully cricket or fans filling stadiums with their cheers, each match stirs a whirlwind of emotions. The anthems that resonate in homes, cars, and stadiums truly embody the spirit of the game. From the iconic tunes of Vital Signs to the contemporary hits of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), cricket songs have brought the nation together in moments of victory, while others have offered solace in tough times. But how well do you recall these unforgettable songs? Let’s find out!

So, you think you know: Pakistani cricket anthems

1. Which Pakistani act is famous for the iconic single ‘Hai Koi Hum Jaisa’, released for the 2003 Cricket World Cup?

a) Ali Azmat

b) Aamir Zaki

c) Ahmed Jahanzeb

d) Strings

So, you think you know: Pakistani cricket anthems

3. Who sang the official song ‘Ab Khel Jamay Ga’ for the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
in 2017?

a) Bilal Khan

b) Shehzad Roy

c) Ali Zafar

d) Fawad Khan

So, you think you know: Pakistani cricket anthems

5. In which PSL season was ‘Tayyar Hain’ introduced, featuring Ali Azmat, Arif Lohar, Haroon, and Asim Azhar?

a) 2016

b) 2020

c) 2018

d) 2022

So, you think you know: Pakistani cricket anthems

2. ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’, a song often heard at cricket matches, was originally released by which band?

a) Karavan

b) Vital Signs

c) Badnaam

d) Awaz

So, you think you know: Pakistani cricket anthems

4. ‘Jazba-E-Junoon’, an acclaimed song linked to cricket victories, was featured on which album by Junoon?

a) Talaash

b) Dewaar

c) Inquilaab

d) Parvaaz

So, you think you know: Pakistani cricket anthems

6. Who composed ‘Mauka Mauka’, the viral cricket song that initially targeted Pakistan but later became a symbol of Indo-Pak cricket rivalry?

a) Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

b) Pritam

c) Jatin-Lalit

d) Rohan-Vinayak

So, you think you know: Pakistani cricket anthems

7. Which singer is behind the official anthem ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’, for the ICC
Champions Trophy 2025,
taking place in Pakistan?

a) Junaid Khan

b) Atif Aslam

c) Farhan Saeed

d) Shafqat Amanat Ali

Answers

1. The correct answer is d.

Pepsi reached out to the band to create a song for the 2003 Cricket World Cup held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. ‘Hai Koi Hum Jaisa’ with its memorable melody and inspiring lyrics, turned into one of the most cherished cricket anthems in the country’s history, showcasing the unique style of Strings. Even now, the song is played before significant matches, keeping alive the energetic spirit of early-2000s cricket.

2. The correct answer is b.

‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ was released in 1987 by Vital Signs, fronted by the late Junaid Jamshed and featured on their debut album. The song, written by Shoaib Mansoor and Nisar Nasik rapidly gained popularity, becoming Pakistan’s unofficial second national anthem. The music video featured young men on motorcycles, passionately displaying their love for the country, resonating deeply with the public. Even after all these years, it remains one of the most cherished songs in Pakistan’s history. Breaking down the song, guitars and music on ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ were by Nusrat Hussain, guitars by Salman Ahmad, bass by Shahzad ‘Shahi’ Hasan, vocals and melodies by the (late) Junaid Jamshed, and synthesisers, drum machine, composition and production by Rohail Hyatt.

3. The correct answer is c.

Ali Zafar’s ‘Ab Khel Jamay Ga’ served as the official anthem for PSL II in 2017 and quickly became a favourite among fans. The energetic beats, paired with Zafar’s distinctive vocals, turned it into a key part of PSL festivities. The official music video showcased prominent Pakistani cricketers such as Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, and former players Umar Gul and Ramiz Raja.

4. The correct answer is c.

‘Jazba-E-Junoon’ emerged as a significant symbol of Pakistani sportsmanship and patriotism in Pakistan. Released in 1996, it was a part of Junoon’s third album, Inquilaab, and quickly won over fans, becoming a rallying cry during the 1996 Cricket World Cup matches. ‘Jazba-E-Junoon’ captures the fighting spirit of the Pakistani people and still resonates with the public today. This song helped established Junoon as one of the top rock bands in the country. With the electrifying vocals of Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmed on guitars, and Brian O’Connell on bass guitar, they secured their place in pop/rock musical history as one of the most successful bands in Pakistan’s history.

5. The correct answer is b.

‘Tayyar Hain’ was released in 2020 during PSL 5, uniting both legendary and modern artists. Written by Xulfi, the song featured Ali Azmat, Arif Lohar, Haroon, and Asim Azhar, blending rock, folk, and contemporary pop elements. This lively track was crafted to commemorate the return of PSL to Pakistan, with all matches held in the country.

6. The correct answer is d.

‘Mauka Mauka’ was initially made for an advertising campaign by Star Sports India during the 2015 Cricket World Cup. The memorable jingle, created by Rohan Utpat and Vinayak Salvi, was inspired by the historic cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan. The song gained popularity in both India and Pakistan, resonating with supporters and evolving into an unofficial anthem for their encounters throughout the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

7. The correct answer is b.

Atif Aslam performed the official song for Pakistan’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’, which was produced by the prodigious Abdullah Siddiqui. This song, with its catchy beats and Atif’s vibrant vocals, is gaining momentum with the start of the Champions Trophy, with Pakistan looking to defend its title.

So, you think you know: Pakistani cricket anthems