Peshawar Zalmi’s latest anthem, “Zalmi Yama,” brings a captivating regional flair to the global landscape of cricket. Departing from the somewhat lackluster anthem of the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League, Peshawar Zalmi has adopted a refined approach to sports anthems, infusing traditional Pashtun folk elements.

The Pakistan Super League represents more than just cricket; it embodies a representation of diverse sports. Therefore, team anthems must successfully encapsulate regional, national, and international dimensions. In this evaluative framework, the new Zalmi anthem triumphs.

Abdullah Siddiqui, Nehaal, and Zahoor collaborate on the track, complemented by an energetic music video featuring actor Hania Amir showcasing well-choreographed moves, evoking youthful enthusiasm for both cricket and music.

Also Read: PTCL Group, Peshawar Zalmi team up for PSL 9 to fortify Pakistan’s sports landscape

The composition begins with a fusion of synths and rubab, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a cricket stadium enveloped in reverb. From the outset, the track wholeheartedly embraces its identity as the anthem for Peshawar Zalmi. The initial Urdu verse imparts a sense of national unity and belonging to a larger socio-political entity. Following a richly layered chorus, the song seamlessly transitions into a Pashto section, embracing the regional aesthetic hinted at in the track’s introduction.

A notable paradigm shift within the song occurs with the segue into Siddiqui’s English vocals. This choice not only acknowledges the international players in Zalmi but also signals the sense of modernity associated with the T20 format, which introduced a contemporary audio-visual aesthetic to the sport, departing from its classic British feel.

The inherent challenge of a sports anthem lies in balancing functionality. However, the Peshawar Zalmi anthem marks a significant advancement. Stray too far from the stadium aesthetic, and the essence is lost; abandon experimentation altogether, and the appeal dwindles. Yet, with the Zalmi song, there seems to be a commendable equilibrium between the two, a lesson that the PCB could glean from this noteworthy development.