Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SIKANDAR Raza, who delivered a powerful performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) just hours after starring in the Chevrons’ historic Test against England, has clapped back at critics questioning his loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket.
After scoring a gritty 60 in the second innings of Zimbabwe’s milestone Test match on Saturday, Raza didn’t head for rest. Instead, he embarked on a gruelling journey back to Pakistan, arriving just 10 minutes before the toss, to help Lahore Qalandars clinch their third PSL title on Sunday.
Running on fumes but fuelled by purpose, Raza took a wicket and then closed the show in spectacular fashion, smashing 22 runs off just seven balls, including the winning boundary, as Qalandars chased down 202 to defeat Quetta Gladiators by six wickets. It wasn’t just a win, it was the highest run chase in any T20 final, making the triumph even more historic. But while fans celebrated his heroics in Lahore, one user on X (formerly Twitter) struck a sour note, questioning Raza’s commitment to the national side. The veteran all-rounder didn’t hold back in his response.
“I have no problem with people criticising me, fair enough,” Raza posted. “But to question my loyalty and commitment to Zimbabwe? That’s where I draw the line. Shameful tweet, and you should be very ashamed of yourself.”
His rebuttal came with receipts.
Immediately after the Test match in Zimbabwe, Raza jumped into a friend’s car and drove to Birmingham, the nearest airport. There were no business class seats left, so he flew economy to Dubai. After a six hour layover and a scramble between airports, he boarded another flight from Abu Dhabi to Lahore. While Shaheen Afridi was announcing the playing XI at the toss, Raza was still en route from the airport.
Despite jet lag and minimal prep time, he delivered. With eight runs needed off the last three balls, Raza launched a six and followed it with a boundary to seal the game, his bat doing the talking louder than any tweet ever could.
His PSL teammates were quick to acknowledge the extraordinary effort. Qalandars skipper Shaheen Afridi, described Raza’s last minute arrival as something straight out of a movie.
“His entry was like a scene from a film. I haven’t seen a cricketer like him,” Afridi said. “Despite the travel fatigue, he delivered exactly what we needed, a key wicket and the match winning runs.”
Raza’s impact didn’t go unnoticed. He was awarded both the Moment of the Match and Player of the Tournament titles, dedicating the accolades to his children, Anaya and Eesa.
