Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER being retained by Lahore Qalandars for the 2025 edition of the Pakistan Super League, Zimbabwe’s white-ball series captain, Sikandar Raza, has rated that country’s cricket league ahead of the India Premier League.
The Pakistan-born Zimbabwe captain was the only Zimbabwean to be picked from a cast of local players that were part of the 2025 PSL draft, which was held early this week.
Zimbabwe had 22 players on the draft, and Raza was the only player to be picked to be part of the PSL 2025 season.
Being picked for the 2025 PSL edition came at a time when the Zimbabwe white-ball series captain failed to make the grade in the IPL, which is set for March.
Asked on the miss of the IPL and being picked for PSL, Raza revealed that he enjoyed playing in the PSL more than playing in the IPL.
In the past two years, Raza has featured in both leagues and feels that his best playing experience has come from his native country.
“I enjoy the PSL more. I have a lot more fun in the PSL as far as enjoyment is concerned,” said Raza.
Having missed out on this year’s edition of the IPL, Raza said he had no hard feelings about the snub.
“I’m not disappointed at all (over missing this year’s IPL). I have very strong beliefs that what is meant to be is meant to be,” he said.
In the last two editions of the IPL, Raza played seven matches for Punjab Kings, featuring in seven matches during the 2023 season before going on to play two matches in the 2024 edition.
During his stint in the IPL, Raza was on the books of Punjab Kings in the last two years.
He scored 182 runs with a highest score of 57 runs.
Before joining Lahore Qalandars last season, Raza featured for Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi.
He has played a total of 23 matches in the PSL, scoring 337 runs with a highest score of 71 runs.
