KARACHI:
Sikandar Raza said that adding new teams to the PSL is a good decision as it will expand the player pool. In an exclusive interview with Express Tribune, he said that even with 8 teams, it may take years to discover new stars—nothing happens overnight. The league has reached this stage due to the important role of the five original owners, who came in at the beginning and remained committed for 10 years. Because of them, Multan Sultans were added earlier, and now Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz teams have joined.
Answering a question, he said if off-the-field issues are affecting your game, then you should not even step onto the field. If you are playing, you must forget everything outside. Lahore Qalanders lost a few matches due to poor performance; senior batters couldn’t perform, and I take a big share of the responsibility. I should have spent more time at the crease. The bowlers performed well. In Karachi, I probably couldn’t understand the pitch. I have learned my lesson and will try to perform better in upcoming matches.
Sikander added that not only Lahore Qalandars but players from other teams also spend good time together. New players show great respect, and such an environment is created that we forget that I am from another country. Usama Mir also recently said that only two foreign cricketers had arrived.
About Fakhar zaman
Sikandar Raza said that he jokes the most with Fakhar Zaman but respects him the most as well. He is the elder of the family. Our team bus turns into a school where he becomes the principal and gives lectures on various aspects of life. I have a great friendship with Abdullah Shafique; we trained together. I consider his failure as my own and help wherever I can. I also keep an eye on Lahore Qalandars players’ performances in Pakistan’s domestic events.
I am afraid of captaincy
Raza said that in Asia, people think becoming captain is a big achievement, but I am actually afraid of captaincy—what if I lose my temper or make something personal and damage a youngster’s career? I accepted captaincy because my country Zimbabwe needed me. I want to prepare a future captain so I can step away from the role.
Lahore Qalandars is my family; I never think about money
Sikander said that Sameen Rana and Atif Rana have created a family-like environment in Lahore Qalandars. Every player gets respect and love. The owners suffered heavy losses in the first 6–7 years, but they learned from it and found players who could build a family-like atmosphere.
He added that due to the PSL auction system, people began questioning his salary. They thought he would have earned more if he entered the auction. I requested owner Sameen Rana to keep me in the $40,000 Gold category, but later I found out I was retained for $100,000. I told him I wanted a lower category so we could take more money into the auction and bring our “family” back into the team. That was more important than money. Such values seem to be disappearing in Pakistan—how important family is.
Whether we win or lose, it was always with the same players. We knew Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf were being targeted by other franchises. Ubaid Shah and Usama Mir were also in our plans, and we might have had to go into bidding wars for them. That’s why I was happy even with the lowest salary. I believe what is destined will come—if not this year, then next or later. I never asked Sameen Rana for any under-the-table payments.
Shaheen has become smarter technically as a captain
Sikander Raza said people see Shaheen Afridi’s aggression on the field, but he is actually a humble and Down to earth person who can do anything for his team. When Sameen Rana and Shaheen formed a combination, the team environment improved further. Shaheen is an aggressive captain; whenever there’s a tough situation—like bowling the third over in the powerplay or when no wickets are falling—he steps forward himself. He leads from the front when the team needs him. Technically, he has also become smarter as a captain; earlier he followed his heart, but now experience has added more dimensions.
I want fans to return to PSL
Sikander Raza said he wants fans to return to PSL. Friends and relatives used to ask for tickets, and I’m ready to take that headache again because it means crowds will return. I want to see fans back in stadiums.
Sufiyan Muqeem is a tough bowler
Sikander Raza said that so far in this PSL, young Pakistani bowler Sufiyan Muqeem has been the toughest. Usama Mir is also an incredible bowler, and Ubaid Shah is performing very well.
T20 World Cup: We could have won matches in Super 8
Raza said Zimbabwe made history by reaching the Super 8 stage in the T20 World Cup. As a player, the event was good for me, but as a captain, I made some mistakes that cost the team. After reaching Super 8, there was so much hype that we considered it our limit—that what we achieved was enough. I believe we could have won matches at that stage too, but we didn’t due to mistakes from me and the team.
In the match against South Africa, I was set. If I had played the full overs, we could have scored 175–180 and won. As a captain, that would have felt like a real achievement.
Life in Zimbabwe is peaceful
Sikander Raza said life in Zimbabwe is peaceful. There are 80–90 Pakistani families there. We get good food at home and during weekend gatherings, so we don’t miss Pakistani cuisine. People there show great respect. After participating in the World Cup, conditions have improved further. I also sent two young cricketers to Pakistan through Lahore Qalandars to improve their performance. There is also an agreement between Zimbabwe and Qalandars, which will encourage more youngsters to take up the sport.
After COVID, I didn’t believe I would play cricket again
Sikander Raza said after COVID, he didn’t even believe he would play cricket again. Surgeries were a very difficult time. I stopped thinking about the future and accepted whatever would happen. Then I found peace. Now, even if I’m told that tomorrow is my last match, I won’t have any problem.
