Champions Trophy 2025 anthem has Atif Aslam & Indian flag. Pakistanis are proud of it

Many fans are angry at this inclusion. They think this is ‘loser behaviour’.

“Big-hearted Pakistanis, put Indian flag prominent in the song. But at the other end, India always tried to eliminate Pakistan from their tournament anthem like they did in the WC2023 anthem. They troll Pakistan in their TV ads, too. But in reply, Pakistan shows a very friendly gesture. Well done, Pakistan!” X user Asaz wrote.

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council has released the official song of the Champions Trophy being hosted by Pakistan, and Pakistanis can’t help but notice the Indian flag in it. Now, they are calling themselves “big hearted” while cursing India for having not sent its team to their country. The song sung by Atif Aslam is finding much appreciation from fans with some calling it better than the 2023 official World Cup song.

“Pakistan is a such big loser they will keep the Indian flag in front while India won’t even have our name on its Jersey and won’t play with us,” Muha reacted on X. Another X user Syed agreed. He said, “Gali mein indian flag kyun hai agar India khel hi nahi ra hamari galiyon mein?” he asked. ( Why is there an Indian flag if the Indian is not even playing in the country)

The song is titled ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’, and produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, with lyrics by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad. The music video, which has gone viral, features vibrant streets, bustling markets, and packed stadiums — a celebration of the cricketing spirit.

“One of the best anthems in history”, fans are saying. ICC launched the song on Friday, 12 days ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Atif Aslam, expressed his excitement about the song, calling it a “special moment” in his career.

“I am very fond of cricket and always wanted to be a fast bowler. Having a deep passion for the game, I understand the adrenaline of the crowd, their cheers, and the emotional highs of every match,” he told ICC.

“I have always looked forward to the India-Pakistan games, which are filled with excitement and sentimental value. Being part of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 official song is a special moment for me,” he added.

Sumair Ahmad Syed, the Tournament Director and PCB Chief Operating Officer, also praised the song as a major milestone on the road to the event. “With the launch of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 official song, we mark another thrilling moment leading up to the tournament. Atif Aslam has delivered incredible anthems for the PSL, and we have no doubt that this song will ignite the passion of cricket fans,” he said.

Fans are already calling it a game-changer. “CT is going to be iconic,” one excited fan @aisaykaisay wrote on X.

Also read: Pakistan’s Champions Trophy troubles are never ending. Now no opening ceremony

Unreal range or cringe?

The cricket lovers in Pakistan are already imagining the ultimate showdown.

“Ek banger to agaya, ab aik banger Babar, Rizwan aur Shaheen bhi recreate kr dyn 23 Feb 2025 ko Dubai mn tu kia hi baat hai #ChampionsTrophy2025,” Muhammad Tauha Siddiqi said. (One banger is out, now, it will be great if Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen recreate it on 23 February 2025 in Dubai)

For some fans, this is the only highlight of the Champions Trophy since they have no expectations from the Pakistani team.

“Atif wohoooooo! I am more excited for Atif’s song than the Champions Trophy because I don’t have any expectations from my team,” Ammara said.

But not everyone is happy. A few users have voiced their scepticism, with one fan tweeting, “Mujhe pata nahin, Kuch cringe si vibes araheen song SE. Shaadi band bajay type.” ( I am getting cringe vibes from this song. It’s like what they play at weddings)

Others have noted Pakistan’s lack of effort in the upcoming tournament, as hosts. The ongoing drama between the cricketing event and political discourse hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“ICC is busy promoting the biggest event in Pak while Pakistanis are busy in political fights n vendetta on social media,” Asim Hafeez pointed out.

Comparisons with India are on too.

“Already better hosts than dil jashan jashan bole merchants,”@RionMadrid said. Jashan Jashan bole was the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023’s official anthem.

Another X user @Rafazz, however, shared a screenshot of Atif Aslam apparently pointing towards the Indian flag and had a fun take— “Atif Aslam singing official champions trophy anthem. And he knows who’s winning it.”

Amid all the debate, Aslam is uniting fans, even across the border.

“Divided by indVpak united by Atif Aslam,” Asad commented on Instagram.

Others simply can’t get over his range:

“On Instagram, he’s singing Uptown Funk, on Twitter he’s singing the CT25 anthem. Unreal range from the GOAT in Pakistan!”

(Edited by Ratan Priya)

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