Sikandar Raza: From Aspiring Pilot to PSL Hero and Zimbabwe Cricket Icon
Raza Leads Lahore Qalandars to PSL 10 Glory
KARACHI – Sikandar Raza played a match-winning knock to seal Lahore Qalandars’ third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title. His explosive hitting under pressure in the final turned him into an overnight hero among cricket fans across Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
Decisive Strikes in the Final Overs
Raza launched his innings with a six off Mohammad Amir on his first ball. In the tense final over, he hammered a six off Faheem Ashraf and then struck the winning boundary, securing the PSL 10 championship in dramatic fashion.
A Last-Minute Dash to the Final
Raza’s arrival for the final was nothing short of cinematic. After finishing a Test match in England, he flew from Nottingham to Birmingham, then to Dubai, drove to Abu Dhabi, and finally reached Lahore—minutes before the national anthem.
A Childhood Dream of Becoming a Pilot
Born in Sialkot, Pakistan, Sikandar Raza initially dreamed of joining the Pakistan Air Force. Unfortunately, a failed vision test ended his pilot aspirations, steering his life toward an unexpected cricket career that would one day earn global respect.
A Journey Through Scotland and Zimbabwe
After his pilot dream ended, Raza moved to Scotland for higher studies. He completed a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. Although he played club cricket there, a professional career was far from his mind at the time.
Life in Zimbabwe and Family Roots
Raza and his family later settled in Zimbabwe, where his father continued the car trading business. Married with two children, Raza proudly considers himself Zimbabwean and has lived in the country for over two decades.
A Slow But Steady Rise in Cricket
Raza began his cricket journey in Zimbabwe in 2007, making his Test debut against Pakistan in 2013. Former coach Stephen Mangongo noted that Raza wasn’t extraordinary at first, but his hunger and work ethic quickly set him apart.
Street Cricket to International Stardom
Growing up in Sialkot, Raza honed his skills playing tape-ball cricket in the streets. His academic focus never overshadowed his passion for the game, which eventually led to one of the most inspiring transitions in modern cricket history.
Iconic Song Now Chants ‘Raza’ in Zimbabwe
Such is Raza’s popularity in Zimbabwe that stadiums now echo with chants of “Raza,” replacing a famous football captain’s name in the iconic song “Munya.” It symbolizes his deep connection with Zimbabwean fans and national pride.
T20 World Cup Heroics Against Pakistan
Raza considers Zimbabwe’s one-run win against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup his most memorable. His crucial wickets of Shan Masood, Haider Ali, and Shadab Khan turned the tide and gave Zimbabwe a rare win on the big stage.
Sleepless Night Before Pakistan Clash
Raza recalled staying awake before that match in Perth, mentally preparing and writing notes about his batting strategy. The rare opportunity to play under lights against a top team made it a mentally taxing yet unforgettable experience.
Defining Moment in PSL 10 Final
His PSL 10 heroics came after a whirlwind 24 hours. Called urgently by Lahore Qalandars’ Sameen Rana, Raza made a cross-continental sprint to reach the stadium just in time. Minutes later, he walked onto the field and made history.
From Vision Test Failure to Cricket Fame
What started as a failed dream to fly fighter jets transformed into a soaring cricket career. Today, Sikandar Raza is celebrated as a national hero in Zimbabwe and a fan favorite in Pakistan’s premier league.
A Story of Passion, Grit, and Glory
Raza’s journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Whether in Scotland, Zimbabwe, or Pakistan, he remained committed to growth. His rise reminds young athletes that setbacks can be the first steps toward greatness.
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