Sikandar Raza’s incredible 24-hour journey from Birmingham to Lahore on Sunday, on the back of Zimbabwe’s one-off Test and hitting the winning runs in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final for the Lahore Qalandars, exemplifies the life of a globe-trotting professional 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 Bridge in Nottingham, Raza’s immediate goal was to get on the quickest plane out from the UK to Lahore to fulfill his commitment to the Qalandars.
The veteran all-rounder had previously flown in from England to help the Qalandar earn decisive points to qualify for the knockouts. After taking an economy flight to Dubai with a six-hour layover and later a flight out to Lahore from Abu Dhabi, Raza was still on the way to the Gaddafi Stadium when his captain, Shaheen Afridi, had announced his selection in the playing XI at the toss for the PSL final against Quetta Gladiators.
The story behind Sikandar Raza rejoining Lahore Qalandars – massive contribution to the Finals of HBL PSL X.
— Zalmi TV (@zalmitvlive)
“I am here to do a job, and God forbid, if we happened to lose the game then at least in my heart I knew I was with my brothers,” Raza said following the game. “I know the team truly wanted me here, given the efforts the owners and the captains went through over the last 24-36 hours to get me here. If I tell you, it’s unbelievable.
“Bowled 25 overs [in the Test] the day before 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 guess this is the life of a professional cricketer and I’m truly humbled and blessed to have that life.”
Raza’s entry could not have had a more heroic finish as he hit the winning runs for the Qalandars after the side was seemingly in no position to win the game when the 39-year-old walked into bat in a 202-run chase. Having chipped in with a crucial 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 tried to take the emotions out,” he said. “I think all the journey and the Test match helped me because I was so mentally and physically drained. All I was saying to myself was just watch the ball. I was blank out there. I wasn’t predicting or thinking where the ball’s going to be and what I’m going to do. All I said was wherever the ball is hit the best shot.”
