The opening ceremony of PSL season 6 was held in National Stadium Karachi, which wasreportedly recorded in Istanbul. The ceremony started with the National Anthem followed by performances from Atif Aslam, rapper Imran Khan and Humaima Malik alongside the PSL 2021 anthem stars — Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig, and Young Stunners.
Addressing the opening ceremony PCB’s chairman Ehsan Mani said, “This year’s PSL is being played in only Karachi and Lahore and due to coronavirus 7,500 people will be able to [attend matches in] Karachi and 5,500 in Lahore,” He also thanked the fans for making PSL Pakistan’s “biggest brand”.
Here’s how Pakistani Twitter reacted to the opening ceremony :
YAAR IF ONLY IT WAS ACTUALLY LIVE AND AT A STADIUM, IMAGINE ALL OF US VIBING TO BEWAFA#PSL2021
Atif atif ha… Imran khan itna fit tha Aima baig and young stunner bhi Upar saey national anthem ki animation All it was missing was a composure that’s why thori disjoint thi That fire work at national stadium overall solid 7.5 out of 10#PSL2021#PSL2021pic.twitter.com/X2asK7wGlY
After the opening ceremony, the first match of the tournament was played between the defending champions Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators, which was won by Karachi Kings by seven wickets.
The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League 6 (PSL6) will commence with a glittering opening ceremony on February 20. The star-studded entertainment-packed event will feature Atif Aslam, Imran Khan, Humaima Malick and the PSL 6 Anthem artists: Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig and Young Stunners. The event will also mark Atif and Khan’s first-ever PSL appearance.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), parts of the opening ceremony will be filmed offshore in a specially designed studio space in Turkey. Some artists including Baig have already arrived in Istanbul for the event.
Speaking about the opening ceremony, Director Commercial PCB Babar Hamid said: “This year promises to be really exciting especially the state-of-the-art technology being used to create this experience for Pakistani fans.”
Later, Khan shared his picture on Instagram with a caption, “Aj wekhe ga crowed mera groove tv te,” following the tags #hblpsl, #pakistan and #turkey.
The first four opening ceremonies of the PSL were held at the Dubai International Stadium while the 2020 opening ceremony was staged at the National Stadium Karachi, and the same venue will play host to the 2021 ceremony. As has been the tradition in earlier editions, the opening ceremony will be followed by the first match of the season – defending champions Karachi Kings will play Quetta Gladiators in the night match.
The ceremony is expected to be aired on PTV Sports and Geo Super. The time for the event has not yet been announced.
Meanwhile, overseas players have started arriving in Karachi, where the first half of the tournament will take place. Because of COVID-19 SOPs, the PCB has limited the event to Karachi and Lahore only. The former will host 20 matches from February 20 to March 7 while the latter will host the remaining 14 matches from March 10 to 22.
As announced by the PCB, around 7,500 ticketed spectators will be allowed access inside the stadium per match day, while around 5,500 will be able to attend each match day at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Shoaib Akhtar has come under fire for mocking and ridiculing the anthem of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The former cricketer had trashed Groove Mera, calling it the worst anthem ever. He also said that he uses the song to put his children to sleep as they are scared of it.
Following Akhtar’s comments, several celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), Hira Mani, Ahmed Ali Butt and Wasim Akram stepped forward to defend the song. Though they did not name Akhtar directly, they subtly shaded him for his comments.
“Least we can do for our artists is respect them,” said Adnan. “It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces.”
“Naseebo Lal doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this,” added the actor.
Least we can do for our artists is respect them. It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces. How ungrateful to forget so conveniently all the melodious songs Naseebo Lal has given us. #groovemera doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this
Sharing his thoughts on the brouhaha, Wasim Akram said: “Hope all this well. Aap log theek hain, exercise kar rahay hain or mou chukk kay criticise kar rahy ho har cheez nu. That’s you guys.”
“Abhi mene PSL anthem pay bohat saray views sunay or theek hai, har aik ki marzi hoti hai magar ennay Tan Sen therday ni tussi, har gal tey bolna hai. Tareef na karna tussi,” he added in Punjabi.
Sharing Wasim’s video on Twitter, Omair Rana said: “I love this man! Wasim Akram. Jewndy raho!”
HSY also praised Groove Mera, saying that he is listening to it on repeat.
#NaseeboLal sounds strong and her voice is iconic. Aima is killing it and the Young Stunners give it that contemporary punch making this first female led sports anthem all the more impactful. #groovemera is on repeat.
“When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly,” questioned Faysal Quraishi.
“Let’s go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things. I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes,” remarked the actor.
When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly . Song getting hate ? Lets go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things . I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will Rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes .
Similarly, in a detailed note posted on Instagram, Ahmed Ali Butt said: “For people who don’t know… Naseebo Lal is a Pakistani folk singer with over 30 years of singing experience. She never got the limelight that she deserved because most of her songs were during the “raunchy” Punjabi film era. But that does not change the fact that she is a Pakistani folk legend with hundreds of songs to her credit.”
“Groove Mera is a great song and a bold step by PCB. For all the people making fun of her pronunciation are the same people who love UK or Canadian Punjabi singers,” he said further. “So shut up and be proud of your nation’s talent. God knows you didn’t contribute to their success or hard work, so the least you can do is be respectful towards them.”
“Ab volume kholo or bolo…aaj vaykhay ga crowd mera groove TV tay,” he concluded.
Hira Mani, in a lengthy note posted to social media said: “We respect you madam. Bas yeh so-called elite burgers music critics internet kay dour kay hum jese chunnay munnay followers walay. Inko kia pata kay asal fan following houti kiya hai.”
Meanwhile, other celebrities, including Farhan Saeed, Anoushey Ashraf and Haroon Shahid directly responded to Akhtar for his comments.
“It’s his opinion, that’s ok! He has the right, but that’s a stupid opinion is what is my opinion,” stated Farhan Saeed.
“This song will be a winner in the stadiums, mark it,” he added.
Haroon Shahid also directly responded to Akhtar saying: “So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee.”
So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee!
In a later tweet, the singer-turned-actor said: “This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.”
This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.
PS. Groove by any definition does not mean Naali! We all know where this is stemming from. Pathetic to see such pettiness.Still love Shoaib for the bowler he was! pic.twitter.com/IAlTzgzmAg
Enough said on Shoaib Akhtar’s comments on the PSL 6 anthem. The fact is I’d stand behind if someone tried to disrespect him in the same manner. Peace! Let’s hope for a fantastic cricket competition once again. Pakistan Zindabad ❤️
Sharing her thoughts on the controversy, Anoushey Ashraf said: “Oh dear, this is in bad taste. One thing to not like a song, another thing to run down artists, musicians this way. Big fan of Shoaib Akhtar but not the way he’s bashing the anthem.”
Television actor, Naveed Raza also participated in the debate, commenting: “Learn to appreciate Shoaib Akhtar bhai. The worst virus is a human, dehumanising another human. Groove Mera is a solid stadium-feel song.”
Groove Mera is currently trending at number one on YouTube Pakistan with more than five million views till the filing of this report.
What did you think of Groove Mera? Let us know in the comments below.
Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6 anthem Groove Mera, claiming that he could have sung it better.
The Rawalpindi Express has said that Groove Mera is the “worst anthem” ever.
“If the 10 worst songs of the PSL are compiled, this song will be number one. Do you have any shame?” questioned the former cricketer.
In a video posted to his YouTube Channel, Akhtar said that his children are also scared of the song so he uses it to make them sleep.
“My kids are scared of this song. When they don’t sleep, I tell them I’ll play it for them. That immediately scares them,” he said.
Akhtar continued: “I failed to understand the lyrics of the song or the song itself. What does groove mean? What is a groove? I am sure even the singers did not know the meaning of the word groove.”
However, the former bowler said that the singers have nothing to do with the song as they were just doing their job.
Shoaib also mocked the costumes of the Young Stunners in the song, saying: “What have you done? You hid the clothes of our Chief Selector Mohammad Waseem and dressed the rappers in them.”
The right-arm bowler said that PCB should make a good song next time instead of taking the criticism to heart.
“Make a better song next time and if you can’t, let me know I will sing it for you,” he concluded.
Groove Mera features Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig, and Young Stunners (Talha Yunus & Talha Anjum).
Naseebo also thanked the producer of the song, Zulfiqar Khan, better known as Xulfi, for bringing something “different and unique to the table.” She also expressed her gratitude to all those who have appreciated her performance, saying that she feels “truly honoured” to be able to sing for the PSL.
“This was a unique opportunity for my singing career and I thank God for it. When I was first approached, I had no idea about it and thought it would be just another song. However, when it turned out that it was an ‘item’ song for the PSL, I was surprised.” she remarked, adding: “Even though it was catchy and a different genre Xulfi composed the song according to my [singing] style.”
Meanwhile, in another interview, Lal said: “I never thought it would become so popular and all this success is because of Allah. When the PCB called me, I couldn’t believe it. Because I have never been offered an anthem before.”
Lal also expressed how she was afraid the song would fail.
“I was so afraid people wouldn’t like it but they loved it and I am so grateful,” said the singer.
While Akhtar trashed the song, several celebrities and media personalities including Mehwish Hayat, Meesha Shafi and Fatima Bhutto have praised Groove Mera and supported Lal for her power packed performance.
The much-awaited anthemof the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six featuring Aima Baig, Naseebo Lal and Young Stunners has finally released.
Titled Groove Mera, the track starts with Naseebo Lal’s strong vocals and as she takes charge, the audience is guaranteed to start buzzing to the track. We go on to see Aima Baig who, in her quintessential style, delivers powerful vocals. Then we see Young Stunners making an entrance as they rap their way into the song. The rap has been written by the artists themselves.
“Continuing the rich tradition of entertaining PSL fans with a new anthem for each season, Groove Mera refers to the swing and feel of the movements of cricketers. It refers to moments of finesse that one finds in the heart of every cricket match,” read the official statement by the league.
“This year’s anthem also reflects the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the majority of the fans will be watching Pakistan’s biggest sporting event remotely, this anthem cheers both players on the field and their fans at home as they celebrate their groove,” continued the statement, adding: “Most importantly, the best part of this year’s anthem is that, it is featuring female vocalists as the leads.”
Last year’s anthem Tayyar Hain featuring Asim Azhar, Ali Azmat and Haroon had disappointed fans. The star-studded collaboration had failed to impress cricket aficionados, who retaliated by poking fun at the song.
Shahbaz Shigri has penned a love note for beau Aima Baig, calling her the “most beautiful human being”.
Sharing a picture of the two from Aima’s sister’s wedding, Shigri expressed his love for his “better half”, writing: “The most beautiful, amazing, magnanimous and wholesomely awesome human being I have ever met in my life, and that’s Aima next to him.”
“I’m kidding. All those descriptive words actually apply to her, and still, they aren’t enough,” he continued.
Shigri also thanked Aima for tolerating him, adding: “I promise it only gets worst, so hold on tight.”
The duo made things official earlier this year with Shigri announcing the news on social media. In an Instagram post, he revealed that Aima is his “better half”. Sharing a picture of himself and the singer in Los Angeles, Shigri swooned over Baig’s smile adding that she is his “partner in crime, homie, companion and a whole bunch of other things which, if I began listing down, would turn up the cringe level to a million”.
Aima Baig’s sister Komal Baig recently tied the knot with a Dubai-based blogger Salem AQ in a beautiful afternoon wedding and the event had several celebrities in attendance including Momina Mustehsan, Shahbaz Shigri and Ammara Hikmat.
Komal and Salem
Aima looked stunning at the wedding in a red Mohsin Naveen Ranjha saree with a velvet blouse. Aima’s beau Shahbaz Shigri was also seen at the event wearing a light-coloured suit.
Hania Aamir just answered the burning question her fans have been asking ever since she was first spotted with Asim Azhar – are the two dating?
In a recent live chat with Aima Baig, Aamir clarified that she is not in a relationship with Asim and the two are just very good friends.
Responding to a fan during the live session, Hania said: “He’s asking if we’re still together. We’re friends, we’re not together, we’re not dating, we’re not a couple. But we are best friends.”
Hania’s answer shocks Aima, who responds: “Yeh tou mujhe bhi nahi pata tha (Even I didn’t know about this).”
Hania, then went onto clarify, saying “No no, listen, actually, we’re great friends. We’re there for each other and I even played a part in his video.”
She also shared that she’s working with Asim on a new project.
“I’m going to make him help me with a song that I’m doing. He’s going to be there for that and I hope I can make him do it,” shared Hania.
Songwriter and lyricist Shakeel Sohail breathed his last Thursday night. He was 55.
According to reports, Sohail, who has penned the lyrics for several hit songs, suffered a heart attack.
Superstar director Ehteshamuddin, also sharedthe news of his demise and expressed his grief.
Shakeel was one of Pakistan’s leading lyricists. Some of his most noted works include Superstar’s ‘Ghalat Fehmi’ and Parwaaz Hai Junoon’s ‘Thaam Lo‘. The songwriter has also worked with Atif Aslam on several tracks, the latest being Aik Naya Khawab, which released on the day of his demise.
Fresh off the success of her new song Te Quiero with Haadi Uppal, Aima Baig, in a recent social media, commented that in the last three to four years of her career the one thing she learned is that the “most difficult thing to pull off in this industry is to satisfy our society. According to how they want us to look like or what they want us to wear, what they want us to sing or what they want us to say.”
Pretty sure, all female actors will be agreeing with Aima on this.
“Whereas I thought it is a free country, where men and women both have been given the right to follow their heart and live their own life,” she added.
Aima then went to recall when she started her career as part of Mazaaq Raat’s team, before adding how blessed she feels to have achieved the success she has.
