PSL Drama: ‘Respect Over Money’ Sikandar Raza Responds to Imad Wasim

Sikandar Raza has hit back at comments made by Imad Wasim about his motivation to play in the PSL. The Zimbabwe all-rounder playing in the 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League for Lahore Qalandars says that money was never his motivation to play.

This goes back to last year's PSL final at the Gaddafi Stadium, where the all-rounder took a short break from the Qalandars camp to feature in a one-off Test match for Zimbabwe against England at Nottingham. Due to time constraints, it seemed unlikely that he would make it for the final match of the competition.

In an amazing turn of events, Sikandar Raza arrived minutes before the toss and went straight into the playing eleven against the Quetta Gladiators. At that time Imad had made the following statement:

"Like Shoaib Akhtar said,money can do things for you. If you are being paid then you will go. I also travel a lot. Some matches finish at night and the next day you are already playing. I also travelled 24 hours and went directly into a match. Hence money could do many things".

But now in a recent interview, Raza has replied to this statement by rejecting it Raza said: 

"Responding to the statements from Imad Wasim with regard to money to play the PSL final, money was not the factor, Respect, honor, loyalty is my motivation and actually I lost a good amount of money from my contract for the matches that I missed. Therefore, his opinion doesn't bother me as I don't see it true."

Final contribution proves his worth

The contribution in the final match was significant as Lahore Qalandars was struggling against a massive target of 202 despite having a decent start from Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique.

As the required rate increased, it was Raza who stepped up exactly at the time needed. He turned the match by hitting a few good boundaries and that included back to back boundaries off Mohammad Amir.

With 13 runs still needed off the last over, Raza held his nerve and finished off the match with flair. Raza hit a four and a six to achieve one of his greatest ever victories by taking the remaining runs off 5 balls for the 3rd PSL title for the Lahore Qalandars.

The inning not only won the title but proved the dedication Raza has for the Lahore Qalandars and also provided clarity to the earlier issue and the fact that Raza plays for the pride of the team, not the money.