Lahore Qalandars' owner Sameen Rana has slammed critics who questioned Sikandar Raza's loyalty after Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim suggested that "money can do anything" in reference to the Zimbabwean star's PSL heroics.

 

Speaking on a podcast, Sameen Rana passionately defended Raza, calling him one of the most selfless and committed players the franchise has ever had. "The most important thing is, it really hurts me when people talk like this," Rana said. "Sikandar is the only person who has never discussed categories with me till today. Never talked about money or categories, from the first year till now."

 

Rana revealed that Raza has always prioritised paying overpayment, even when approached directly. "Whenever I call him and say, 'Sikandar, I don't have a category,' he says, 'Sameen bhai, I don't talk about this topic.' And now people are saying about him that money can do anything? Come on, yaar."

 

The strong reaction came after Imad Wasim's appearance on a talk show, where he praised Raza's stunning last-over performance in the PSL final but also made a pointed comment. "Yes, money can do things for you. If you get paid, you will come," Imad said while acknowledging Raza as a match-winner and a committed team man.

 

Raza's PSL final performance has been widely celebrated by fans. Arriving at the stadium just 10 minutes before the toss, after a whirlwind 24-hour journey from England, he played a match-winning cameo for Lahore Qalandars. Needing eight runs off the final three balls, Raza sealed the title with a six and a four, remaining unbeaten on 22 off seven balls.

 

He had just played a Test match for Zimbabwe against England and travelled across multiple cities, from Birmingham to Dubai, then to Abu Dhabi, and finally to Lahore, showcasing his dedication to the game and the team.

 

Raza himself reflected on the chaotic travel itinerary and the honour of playing professional cricket, saying, "I had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, and drove to Abu Dhabi for lunch. I took a flight and had dinner in Pakistan. This is the life of a professional cricketer. I'm truly humbled and blessed to have this life."

 

This was Lahore's third trophy in PSL history, all three coming under Shaheen Afridi's captaincy, making him one of the most successful captains in the league.