Big blow to PSL 2025 after India-Pakistan ceasefire, star cricketer chooses...

India.com

14-05-2025

In this collection of pictures we shall know the problem the PSL 2025 have been facing after the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Let's dive in.
Sikandar Raza represented Lahore Qalandars in the 2025 edition of the PSL. Over the course of nine matches, he amassed 228 runs at an impressive average of 45.60 and a striking rate of 163. He also claimed eight wickets with a bowling average of 15.10 and an economy of 7.10. Among the LQ squad, he led in batting and bowling averages, economy rate, and strike rate (minimum 100 runs). Without a doubt, he was their standout performer.
That momentum came to a halt when rising tensions between India and Pakistan led to the indefinite suspension of the PSL. The tournament is now set to restart on May 17. Currently placed fourth on the table, Lahore Qalandars have one remaining group-stage fixture against Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi on May 18. The knockout matches are scheduled for May 21, 22, 23, and 25. Should LQ make it to the final, Raza would need to remain with the team until May 25.
At the same time, Zimbabwe have named him in the squad for the one-off Test at Trent Bridge — their first encounter with that opponent since 2004 — set to start on May 22. In short, the schedules would have overlapped.
Sikandar Raza made his choice clear in a post on X. "I've been tagged and mentioned regarding my availability for PSL and the Historic Test match in England," he wrote. "National duty is the top priority for me and once picked I will honor and fulfill it. All the reports of me missing the test match are not true at all. Regarding PSL, all the reports of me not returning to Pakistan are also not true."
Sikandar Raza's message implies that, since he has been named in the squad, he intends to participate in the Test match. However, the phrasing in the following line ("Regarding PSL, all the reports of me not returning to Pakistan are also not true") uses a double negative, leaving room for ambiguity. He could be referring to a possible comeback to the league later on, or merely indicating a return to his homeland.
Sikandar Raza's most recent appearance in Test cricket was against Afghanistan in Bulawayo earlier this year. Across 18 matches in the format, he has accumulated 1,286 runs at an average of 36.74 and taken 38 wickets with a bowling average of 40.78.