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ICC unveils Atif Aslam’s anthem for Men’s Champions Trophy 2025
MUMBAI : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has dropped the official anthem for the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke with Atif Aslam lending his powerful vocals to the track. A fusion of cricketing passion and Pakistani culture, the song sets the tone for the high-stakes tournament kicking off in less than two weeks.
With just 12 days remaining until the highly anticipated tournament, the song’s release adds to the growing excitement ahead of the 15-match event, set to take place from 19 February to 9 March across Pakistan and the UAE.
Produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, with lyrics by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad, the track is a vibrant celebration of Pakistan’s rich culture, showcasing its streets, markets, and stadiums. The accompanying music video highlights the nation’s deep-rooted passion for cricket. The song is now available on major streaming platforms worldwide.
Fans can still secure tickets for the tournament online or through select physical outlets in Pakistan. Tickets for the Final, scheduled for Sunday, 9 March, will be available following the first semi-final in Dubai.
The competition will feature the world’s top eight teams battling in 15 high-intensity matches over 19 days, with every encounter crucial in the quest for the coveted white jackets.
Expressing his excitement, Aslam said: “I have always been passionate about cricket and once aspired to be a fast bowler. Understanding the emotions of the game, especially during an India-Pakistan clash, makes this opportunity particularly special for me.”
ICC chief commercial officer Anurag Dahiya added: “With just days to go, the official song embodies the spirit of the Champions Trophy and Pakistan’s cricketing identity. We encourage fans to secure their tickets and be part of this celebration.”
Tournament director and PCB chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed hailed the song’s release as another milestone in the build-up to the global event. “Aslam, a powerhouse of Pakistani music, has delivered blockbuster anthems before, and we believe this song will set the stage alight. As excitement builds, we anticipate packed stadiums and an electric atmosphere.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
