Zimbabwe cricket star Sikandar Raza stands ready for action as Lahore Qalandars start their Pakistan Super League journey against champions Islamabad United today. The 38-year-old remains the only Zimbabwean playing in the prestigious tournament after 21 fellow countrymen missed selection during the draft. He joins international talents like Daryl Mitchell from New Zealand, plus Pakistani stars Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi, on the two-time champion squad.
Raza told Pakistani media he feels prepared for the upcoming matches despite last season's disappointments. The Qalandars finished last with just one win after previously becoming the first team to claim back-to-back PSL titles. South African Russell Domingo leads the coaching staff for this tenth tournament edition. The Zimbabwean praised team unity, calling everyone "like family," which creates excellent team culture both during matches and behind the scenes.
He acknowledged that star leg spinner Rashid Khan's absence cannot be completely filled, but he expressed faith in the replacement spinner's abilities. Raza values the strong relationships between teammates that helped them win consecutive championships previously. His all-around skills will be crucial as Lahore aims to bounce back from their poor 2024 performance, which saw them earn just three points throughout the entire competition.
Raza told Pakistani media he feels prepared for the upcoming matches despite last season's disappointments. The Qalandars finished last with just one win after previously becoming the first team to claim back-to-back PSL titles. South African Russell Domingo leads the coaching staff for this tenth tournament edition. The Zimbabwean praised team unity, calling everyone "like family," which creates excellent team culture both during matches and behind the scenes.
He acknowledged that star leg spinner Rashid Khan's absence cannot be completely filled, but he expressed faith in the replacement spinner's abilities. Raza values the strong relationships between teammates that helped them win consecutive championships previously. His all-around skills will be crucial as Lahore aims to bounce back from their poor 2024 performance, which saw them earn just three points throughout the entire competition.
