In an exciting plot twist, Sikandar Raza joined the Lahore Qalandars team mere minutes before the toss of the PSL Final 2025 against Quetta Gladiators with a dramatic entrance after arriving from England.
From Trent Bridge to Gaddafi Stadium in Hours
Just less than 24 hours before the PSL final, Sikandar Raza was at Trent Bridge, fighting hard to prevent an innings defeat for Zimbabwe against England. His heroic 60 out of 68 balls didn’t manage to salvage Zimbabwe, and immediately the Test was over, Raza got onto a flight to Lahore.
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With Qalandars keen to include their star all-rounder in the playing XI, Raza arrived at the Lahore airport ten minutes before the toss of the PSL Final.
Two Team Sheets Prepared: With and Without Raza
Familiar with the knife-edge time margin, the Lahore Qalandars administration prepared for both possibilities. Two team sheets were given to the officials:
One with Sikandar Raza in the team
Another with Shakib al Hasan in case Raza didn’t come on time
Finally, Raza managed to come, and Shakib was excluded from the team.
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Lahore Qalandars’ Season of Logistics and Loyalty
Raza has had a hectic PSL season. He was a key figure for Qalandars early in the tournament before flying out when the league was suspended earlier this month. The PSL resumed just four days before Zimbabwe’s Test series began, and Raza flew back to Pakistan for a crucial knockout match against Peshawar Zalmi.
Following his assistance to Qalandars in making it to the playoffs, Raza traveled back to England to represent Zimbabwe in the Test. Lahore Qalandars charged their way into the final through two consecutive playoff victories.
PSL Final: A Gamble That Paid Off
With Raza’s Test engagements concluding on Saturday night (Pakistan time), Qalandars made quick arrangements for his transport to Lahore.
Although his flight arrived right before the toss and he hadn’t arrived at the venue yet, the franchise stood behind their strategy, and it paid off. Raza was duly included in the playing XI, and Shakib was left behind. The Quetta Gladiators, however, won the toss and chose to bat first in the high-stakes PSL Final.
Raza’s Arrival Emphasizes PSL Final Drama
Sikandar Raza’s eleventh-hour arrival for the PSL Final emphasizes his dedication and Lahore Qalandars’ faith in his contribution. Amidst the series of travel and closeness of turnarounds in the season, Raza’s dramatic arrival represents the spirit of resolve and high tension of the Pakistan Super League 2025 finale.
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