Sikandar Raza’s unbelievable 24-hour journey from Birmingham to Lahore on Sunday, on the again of Zimbabwe’s one-off Check and hitting the successful runs within the Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL) remaining for the Lahore Qalandars, exemplifies the lifetime of a globe-trotting skilled cricketer in 2025.
After being holed out for 60 in Zimbabwe’s second-innings of an eventual innings and 45 runs defeat to Ben Stokes’ England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Raza’s instant objective was to get on the quickest airplane out from the UK to Lahore to meet his dedication to the Qalandars.
The veteran all-rounder had beforehand flown in from England to assist the Qalandar earn decisive factors to qualify for the knockouts. After taking an economic system flight to Dubai with a six-hour layover and later a flight out to Lahore from Abu Dhabi, Raza was nonetheless on the way in which to the Gaddafi Stadium when his captain, Shaheen Afridi, had introduced his choice within the taking part in XI on the toss for the PSL remaining in opposition to Quetta Gladiators.
The story behind Sikandar Raza rejoining Lahore Qalandars – large contribution to the Finals of HBL PSL X.#HBLPSLX #SikandarRaza #PSLX #ZalmiTV #LQvQG #LQ pic.twitter.com/lbwEzKjqGA
— Zalmi TV (@zalmitvlive) Might 25, 2025
“I’m right here to do a job, and God forbid, if we occurred to lose the sport then no less than in my coronary heart I knew I used to be with my brothers,” Raza mentioned following the sport. “I do know the staff actually needed me right here, given the efforts the house owners and the captains went by over the past 24-36 hours to get me right here. If I let you know, it’s unbelievable.
“Bowled 25 overs [in the Test] the day earlier than yesterday, batted for 20 overs yesterday. Had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, drove to Abu Dhabi for lunch, took a flight and had dinner in Pakistan. I assume that is the lifetime of knowledgeable cricketer and I’m actually humbled and blessed to have that life.”
Raza’s entry couldn’t have had a extra heroic end as he hit the successful runs for the Qalandars after the facet was seemingly in no place to win the sport when the 39-year-old walked into bat in a 202-run chase. Having chipped in with an important wicket of Rilee Rossouw earlier, Raza smoked 22 off seven balls with two fours and as many sixes to closed down the chase with a ball to spare.
“I attempted to take the feelings out,” he mentioned. “I feel all of the journey and the Check match helped me as a result of I used to be so mentally and bodily drained. All I used to be saying to myself was simply watch the ball. I used to be clean on the market. I wasn’t predicting or pondering the place the ball’s going to be and what I’m going to do. All I mentioned was wherever the ball is hit the very best shot.”