As the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off with flair in Rawalpindi, what should have been a celebration of cricket and culture sparked an unexpected controversy online.
Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen took to social media to express his disapproval over what appeared to be lip-syncing during the opening ceremony. In a widely circulated post on X (formerly Twitter), Tareen questioned whether legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen had been made to mime her performance.
“Are they making Abida Parveen lipsync? Please no 
,” he wrote, prompting a wave of agreement from followers who criticized the move as “unnecessary” and “disrespectful.” Tareen later added, “The lip syncing was bad enough…,” suggesting that other performers may have also mimed their acts.
The ceremony featured a lineup of musical performances by Abida Parveen, Ali Zafar, Natasha Baig, and Young Stunners, complemented by elaborate visuals and fireworks. While the show was applauded for its grandeur, questions surrounding the authenticity of the live music have cast a shadow over the spectacle.
PSL 10 matches are being held across four venues—Lahore (13 matches), Rawalpindi (11), and five each in Multan and Karachi. The final is scheduled for May 18 in Lahore.
