LAHORE (Kashmir English): Lahore Qalandars star all-rounder Sikandar Raza has clarified the reason behind his dramatic return during the Pakistan Super League (PSL X) final, rejecting suggestions that financial incentives influenced his decision.
The Lahore Qalandars all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who plays for the defending champions in PSL 11, shared his response to Imad Wasim’s comments about his surprise appearance, which he made after the match because he had to deal with his financial obligations to the franchise.
The controversy started when Raza returned to the Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium during the PSL X final. He could not decide his playing status yet because he had been left to play in a Test match for Zimbabwe.
The match ended on Saturday night, which created uncertainty about his availability to play in the final match. Sikandar Raza arrived in time and took the field against Quetta Gladiators.
Sikandar Raza claps back
Imad Wasim spoke about franchise cricket demands when he provided his comments about the situation. Imad said money creates opportunities because Shoaib Akhtar said money creates opportunities.
If you get paid, then you will go to work. I travel a lot too. I have traveled 24 hours straight and gone directly into a match. Money creates opportunities because I can use my wealth to make things happen differently.
Raza rejected the claim that the money he received had any impact on his choices during a recent interview with a local sports platform.
Raza explained that his return to play in the PSL final actually occurred for reasons other than money, which Imad Wasim claimed to be his main reason for return. Raza explains that he must uphold three core values, which include respect, honor, and loyalty.
Raza received a salary reduction from his contract because he failed to attend scheduled matches, which makes me doubt the truth of his statement about me.
The final match showed Raza at his peak performance level. The Qalandars achieved their third PSL championship when they defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets.
Pacer Chasing a target of 202, Lahore got off to a strong start. Mohammad Naeem scored 47 runs from 27 balls, which included one four and six sixes, before Faheem Ashraf dismissed him.
Abdullah Shafique scored 41 runs from 28 balls, which included four boundaries and one six, before Usman Tariq dismissed him when Lahore scored 115 runs with three wickets down during 12.3 overs.
Thisara Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa both faced difficulty in sustaining their batting pace because the required run rate kept rising. Raza changed the game by hitting two consecutive boundaries against Mohammad Amir. Perera scored a fast half-century by reaching 50 runs off 28 deliveries.
Raza showed his ability to handle pressure during the last over when he needed 13 runs to win the game. Raza completed the match victory by hitting a four and a six, which left one ball in the game. His performance played a key role in securing another championship for Lahore and highlighted his contribution despite the controversy surrounding his late arrival.
