The much-awaited anthem “X Dekho” by Ali Zafar for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 just dropped, and no one’s really feeling the “groove.”
Released on Wednesday, the track celebrates PSL’s decade-long journey, with the ‘X’ in the title symbolizing both ten years and the elusive ‘X factor.’ Featuring a powerhouse lineup of Ali Zafar, Abrarul Haq, Natasha Baig, and Talha Anjum, the anthem promises a mix of pride, energy, and attitude. But does it live up to the hype? Not really.
The song kicks off with a nod to Sindhi and Baloch folk sounds, teasing a “complete image” of Pakistan. However, these elements are fleeting, leaving the representation feeling more like a token gesture than an organic integration.
The lyrics, led by Zafar and Baig’s commanding vocals, rally fans with lines like “Roz macha shor / Aaj kuch hona hai”. Yet, the beat remains predictable—good for stadium chants but lacking the dynamism to make it truly electrifying.
Zafar’s return to PSL anthems brings continuity, but it overshadows the other artists. Baig’s powerful voice is underutilized, while Anjum’s razor-sharp rap feels like an isolated interlude rather than a cohesive part of the track. Haq injects Punjabi energy, but his segment feels more like a remix add-on than a seamless contribution.
Visually, the anthem oscillates between fiery stadium shots and earthy scenes of Kabaddi and cricket fans, attempting to balance spectacle with authenticity. However, the execution feels disjointed, with segments that don’t quite blend.
Adding to the déjà vu, “X Dekho” bears an uncanny resemblance to Hanumankind’s “Run It Up,” from its visuals to its indigenous instrumentals, raising questions about originality.
While “X Dekho” has pride, power, and attitude, it lacks the cohesion to become a decade-defining anthem. It’s a collection of good elements that never fully fuse, leaving fans wanting more.
Purely pathetic.