The Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) tenth-anniversary anthem, “X Dekho,” aims to capture the league’s spirit by featuring renowned artists Ali Zafar, Abrar-ul-Haq, Natasha Baig, and Talha Anjum. While the song strives for a celebratory tone, it falls short in delivering a cohesive musical experience.
The track opens with a nod to Sindhi and Baloch folk sounds, suggesting an inclusive representation of Pakistan’s diverse culture. However, these elements are fleeting and not fully integrated into the song’s main body, making the cultural references feel superficial.
Ali Zafar’s prominent vocals provide continuity with previous PSL anthems, but this prominence overshadows the contributions of other artists. Natasha Baig’s powerful voice is underutilized, offering only brief moments that fail to showcase her full potential. Talha Anjum’s rap segment, though skillfully executed, appears as an isolated interlude rather than a seamless part of the composition. Abrar-ul-Haq injects Punjabi energy into the track, yet his section feels more like an add-on than an integral component.
The accompanying music video alternates between grand stadium scenes and depictions of traditional sports like Kabaddi, attempting to balance spectacle with authenticity. Despite these efforts, the visual presentation mirrors the song’s disjointed nature, lacking fluidity.
Notably, “X Dekho” bears a resemblance to Hanumankind’s “Run It Up,” particularly in its visual and musical elements, raising questions about originality.
In summary, while “X Dekho” aspires to be a landmark anthem for PSL’s tenth season, its fragmented composition and execution prevent it from achieving the intended impact.
