LAHORE: Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja lavished praise on Sikandar Raza for his match-winning performance and remarkable commitment that played a crucial role in Lahore Qalandars’ triumph in the PSL 10 final.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz revealed behind-the-scenes details, highlighting Raza’s determination to make it to Lahore in time for the final. “The way Sikandar showed commitment is truly admirable. He not only managed to reach Pakistan against the odds but also played and led his team to victory,” Ramiz said.
Raza changed multiple flights just to ensure he could take the field for Qalandars. He arrived in Lahore just minutes before the final, landing at 6.50pm, warmed up for only a few deliveries and went straight onto the field.
While calling the win a team effort, Ramiz emphasised that Raza’s performance stood out alongside Kusal Perera’s contributions. “Sikandar Raza played a phenomenal innings in the final. Every player contributed, but he added the winning spark. Perera also played a fantastic knock,” Ramiz added.
Ramiz revealed that Lahore Qalandars had prepared two squad lists—one with Raza and another with Shakib Al Hasan, in case Raza was unable to arrive on time. His commitment and loyalty to Lahore Qalandars were praised, with Ramiz noting that the franchise takes great care of its players, fostering a strong bond between the team and its stars.
Looking ahead, Ramiz expressed optimism about the next PSL season, hinting that two new teams may be added to the league. “Next season, the league could become even more thrilling as two new teams are expected to join. But we must assess whether we have the talent pool to support this expansion and what strategies will be in place,” he stressed.
Raza’s incredible journey to PSL-10 glory with Lahore QalandarsZimbabwean allrounder Sikandar Raza’s journey with Lahore Qalandars played a pivotal role in securing the PSL- 10 title.
Arriving in Pakistan just minutes before the final and delivering a match-winning knock in a thrilling last-over finish, remained one of the incredible players of the PSL-10. After competing in a one-off Test match between Zimbabwe and England at Trent Bridge, Raza took a whirlwind journey across multiple cities before landing in Lahore only ten minutes before the toss.
“I had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi and flew straight to Lahore for the PSL final. This is the life of a professional cricketer, and I am truly blessed to have this life,” Raza shared during post-match celebrations.
Despite this physically demanding schedule, he remained composed, scoring 22 off just seven balls, sealing the six-wicket victory for Lahore Qalandars as they successfully chased 202 runs. Speaking about Lahore Qalandars’ experience in tense matches, Raza referenced their nail-biting one-run victory against Multan Sultans two years ago: “No other team is more prepared than us, given the do-or-die games we had to face this time around to get here.”
Despite injuries and concussions in the squad, he described this final as even more memorable than the 2023 title win: “We had concussions; Naeem wasn’t fit. There was so much drama in this game. I pick this final over the one two years ago.”
The Qalandars had prepared two squad lists—one featuring Sikandar Raza and another with Shakib Al Hasan, in case Raza didn’t arrive on time. However, the Zimbabwean star made it just in time, proving his commitment to the franchise and the game itself. “If I told you how I got here, it is unbelievable. And to have a victory like this, I just have no words,” Raza concluded, describing the moment as one of the most surreal experiences of his career.
