'Money can do anything': Imad Wasim reacts to Sikandar Raza's PSL heroics

Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim, who also played for Islamabad United, praised Zimbabwean cricketer Sikandar Raza’s brilliant performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final during a recent talk show appearance.

"Of course, we know him as a stellar player from Zimbabwe, but his commitment to Lahore Qalandars and to the PSL is exceptional," Wasim remarked.

"Yes, money can do things for you. If you get paid, you will come. I travel a lot. So I travel for 24 hours straight as well. Money can do different things... A great human being and a proper team man. Good player, and you can call him a match-winner now," he added.

These compliments came after Sunday night’s thrilling final, when Lahore Qalandars won their third PSL title by defeating Quetta Gladiators in a last-over finish. Chasing a target of 202 runs, Sikandar Raza’s stunning cameo turned the game around in the final moments and sealed the victory for Lahore.

The talk of the evening, however, was his exhausting travel schedule. Having just played a Test match for Zimbabwe against England, he took a 7-hour flight from Birmingham to Dubai, a 1.5-hour drive to Abu Dhabi, followed by a 3.5-hour flight to Lahore. He arrived at the stadium only 10 minutes before the toss.

Despite this hectic trip, Raza stepped up when the team was under pressure and delivered his best. With eight runs needed off the last three balls, he smashed a six and a four to finish unbeaten on 22 off just seven balls.

After the match, Raza said, "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."

Quetta posted a target of 201 for 9,  with Mohammad Nawaz scoring 76 runs and quick contributions from Faheem Ashraf and Avishka Fernando. Lahore’s bowlers, however, took the lead with Shaheen Afridi taking three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Salman Mirza claimed two wickets each.

In Lahore's chase, Mohammad Naeem scored a fiery 47, while Kusal Perera remained not out on 62. But it was Sikandar Raza's dramatic finish that stole the show and turned him into the match-winner Imad Wasim proudly spoke of.