“Khul Ke Khel:” Ali Zafar unveils title of PSL 9 anthem

Renowned singer Ali Zafar on Monday informed that the most-awaited anthem of Pakistan Super League Season 9 is named "Khul Ke Khel" by the singer.

The 'Phir Seeti Baje Gi' singer took to his microblogging site, X, handle to inform his fans and followers of his upcoming song, which he will belt out with Aima Baig for the marquee tournament PSL9. 

Zafar couldn’t stop himself from unveiling the title “Khul ke Khel” with which he assured the enjoyment, adding, “Get your dancing shoes ready!”.

It's the fourth time when Ali Zafar is ready to cast a spell of his voice in PSL. Earlier Zafar had graced the PSL with hits like “Ab Khel Ke Dikha”, “Phir Seeti Baje Gi”, and “Dil say Jaan Laga De” for the prior three consecutive editions of the league.

Zafar’s announcement boosted the eagerness of cricket and music lovers as their comments indicate that they are impatiently waiting for the song, inquiring about the date of release. 

However, the singer did not mention the release date of the song and no official announcement related to this has been issued by the authorities organising PSL.

Following the successful wrap-up of the previous eight editions, a fresh season is set to commence on February 17.

The tournament will feature a total of 34 thrilling matches and will be played from February 17 to March 18 across four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan.

Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United will lock horns in the opening clash of the tournament at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium on February 17.

Karachi will host 11 matches, including the Qualifier, two Eliminators and the final. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will each host nine matches, while fans in Multan, the city of saints, will witness five matches.

The much-anticipated contest between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings will be played on 24 February and 9 March. Gaddafi Stadium will stage the 24 February contest, while National Bank Stadium will see Qalandars and Kings locking horns on 9 March.

Kings, Qalandars, Sultans and United will play five matches at their home ground, while Peshawar Zalmi will play four matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Quetta Gladiators will play three matches each in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, while they will play one match at the Multan Cricket Stadium against the home side Sultans on 25 February.

Like the previous edition, the forthcoming ninth edition of the HBL PSL will take place in two legs with Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting 14 matches between them from 17 to 27 February.

The cricketing action will then move to Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where 16 matches will be played from 28 February to 12 March. The tournament will then move to Karachi in its entirety for the playoffs.