One Day before the grand final of the PSL, X. Sikandar was batting out of his skin against England in Nottingham to save his side from an innings defeat, but Fate had other plans. Zimbabwe succumbed to an innings defeat, but that’s the part of where this incredible journey of Sikandar Raza started.
An incredible journey from Nottingham to Lahore:
After the match was over, the Lahore Qalandar’s owners formed a plan to bring Raza back to Pakistan before the all-important final. So when all the other Zimbabwean players were contemplating on the innings defeat Sikandar was packing his bags to start his incredible journey. His journey started with a 2-hour car ride from Nottingham to Birmingham, from where he boarded a flight to land in Dubai, where he had a 6-hour layoff and the only chance to have a rest. His journey didn’t stop there as from Dubai, he had to board a flight again to Abu Dhabi, from where he came to Lahore.
Race against Time
When Sikandar was on his globetrotting journey the time was running out for Qalandar’s. The Toss was about to happen in 20 minutes and Raza was still in the air. The Qalandar’s had to prepare 2 team sheets one with Sikandar Raza and one without him. It was only 5 minutes before the toss when Shaheen knew that Sikandar had landed at the airport, and he went out with the team sheet with Sikandar Raza. Just like his flight landed 5 minutes before the toss. Sikandar also arrived barely 5 minutes before the match to get a hero’s welcome to conclude his incredible journey.
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A Fitting way to end the tournament.
The Journey Raza had was fitting that it was he who finished the match for Lahore Qalandar’s and made them Champions for a record, winning 3rd time with Islamabad United.
Even with such an ardent journey, Raza played his part to perfection in Lahore Qalandar’s record chase. First, with the bowl, he picked up the prized scalp of Rilee Rossouw. Then, when he came to bat, he played an incredible knock of 22 in just 7 balls which included 2 fours and 2 sixes.
Sikandar Raza’s commitment and professionalism.
In Today’s cut world, which is dominated by the leagues, Sikandar first showed his commitment to his country by leaving the cash-rich league for his national team. After that was over, he showed his professionalism by going on an incredible journey for his franchise, which culminated in a trophy-winning effort. He summed up his incredible day in his post-match-up interview with these lines,
“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.”
