PSL 2019: Trying to recreate the IPL sensation, PCB turns to rapper Pitbull

Six years after the Indian Premier League had international rapper-singer Pitbull perform in one of its grandest opening ceremonies, Pakistan Cricket Board hopes to recreate the same sort of excitement for the fourth edition of PSL. In almost every aspect of the league, PCB has been trying to emulate BCCI‘s strategies regarding IPL, which makes sense given the latter has gone on to become one of the richest and most famous sporting events in the world.

It does not come as a surprise that they are taking inspiration when it comes to the opening ceremony as well. Back in 2013, Pitbull set the stage at Kolkata’s Yuva Bharati Krirangan on fire along with Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif. Cut to 2019, PCB is hoping for a similar impact with their inaugural ceremony starring Pakistani stars like Aima Baig, Shuja Haider, Fawad Khan and the band, Junoon.

PSL has retweeted on their official Twitter handle a list of singers and performers scheduled to appear on the star-studded ceremony that will be held on October 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. The tournament will kick off on the same evening and venue with the defending champions Islamabad United playing against the Lahore Qalandars.

The new PSL anthem

PSL has also released its much awaited 2019 anthem titled ‘Khel Deewano Ka’ which has also been shared on their social media platforms. But unlike the past three editions, this time the anthem is not by Ali Zafar. Former EP band vocalist and actor Fawad Khan has lent his voice to the PSL 4 anthem, and the theme has been written and composed by musician Shuja Haider.

Watch it here

This was not Haider’s first rodeo as a writer-composer of sports anthems. Previously he has worked with Strings to create one of their most famous compositions, ‘Hai Koi Hum Jaisa’, which was the official song of Pakistan cricket team for their 2003 World Cup campaign. He has also collaborated with Ali Azmat for his 2011 World Cup theme, ‘Josh-e-Junoon’.

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