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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Have bat, will travel: Raza and cricket's wanderers follow in footsteps of WG Grace
Do you remember the first of Zimbabwe's three ODIs against Bangladesh in 2022? No? Let me refresh your memory. Bangladesh's batters had racked up 303 for two. Zimbabwe had lost both openers by the end of their second over. They were 62 for three when Sikandar Raza came to the crease. He scored 135 of the 240 runs the home side needed and Zimbabwe won with nearly two overs to spare. Raza rescued them in the ODI that followed, too – another century – and ended up top-scoring in Zimbabwe's first series win in three years. The then 36-year-old put his determined spirit down to his training in the Pakistan Air Force: 'I couldn't become a fighter pilot,' he said, 'but I think, as a person, I will always be a fighter.' Advertisement Related: The Spin | The summer of 2005 without Pietersen? Imagining World Test finals of the past There's plenty of dash about him – but this week it was literal. On Saturday afternoon he was scoring a half-century for his country in a Test match against England at Trent Bridge. Twenty-four hours later he was hitting the winning runs at the Pakistan Super League final in Lahore. The journey – he flew economy – included a near 100-mile drive between the Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. Next time he should borrow an F-16. Raza's feat has raised cheers and eyebrows in equal measure. For some – especially delighted Lahore Qalandars fans – it is the ultimate heroic expression of club commitment. For others it is one more harbinger of a cricket calendar ready to collapse from franchise overload (it's worth noting that the all-rounder had already forgone this year's Tests against Ireland and Bangladesh for his PSL commitments). Imad Wasim, who played for more franchise teams than any other player in 2023 and 2024, summed up Raza's decision thus: 'If you're getting paid, you'll go.' Concerns are understandable. The fixture crush (and sums on offer) leave players subject to temptation and the matches themselves open to abuse. Sri Lanka Cricket were certainly unimpressed earlier this year by the behaviour of Dasun Shanaka, whose first-class side, Singhalese Sports Club, had recalled him from the ILT20 league in Dubai. You might argue that the all-rounder had done all he could on his mercy mission to help them avoid relegation, hitting 123 off 87 balls at No 7. By the time he was out, mid-morning on day three, he'd dragged SSC back into contention. Advertisement And then, at lunchtime, he vanished from the ground. A concussion substitute had been agreed after he was hit playing a sweep shot, which made it even stranger when he showed up that night in Dubai, a four-and-a-half-hour flight away, batting for his ILT20 team. His 34 off 12 deliveries helped Dubai Capitals to victory and never has a doctor's note seemed more convenient. Shanaka insisted that he had told SSC he was leaving early, but Sri Lanka Cricket still fined him $10,000. But it's easy to shake heads, wag fingers and ignore that this dilemma is as old as the sport itself. Overlapping obligations are baked into cricket's history, including one of its greatest origin stories of all. WG Grace did not live in an era when he could jump in a jumbo and race above the clouds to his next fixture, but he did a good job of maximising the rail and stagecoach routes. On Friday 11 August 1876, MCC had been asked to follow on in their second innings against Kent and Grace's next game for Gloucestershire was already in the back of his mind. 'As I had to play at Bristol the following Monday, and did not think we could save the match, I meant to get home as soon as possible. Consequently I opened my shoulders to the bowling.' Talk about unintended consequences: hHe had hit a hundred by the close and spent Saturday racking up the first triple-century in first-class cricket. It took him most of Sunday to get back from Canterbury. He opened the batting against Nottinghamshire on Monday morning and scored 177 (including an all-run seven). After taking eight wickets on the Wednesday he headed out to bat the following day at Cheltenham, and finished with another triple-century. Those 839 runs in eight days were the beginning of his legend. In 1962, Garry Sobers was determined to squeeze in every innings he could as South Australia's 'guest player'. Due to play in West Indies's first Test against India on Friday 16 February, he spent the Monday compiling 251 in a Sheffield Shield match against Richie Benaud's New South Wales, and the Tuesday taking six for 72 to secure the game. The 55-hour journey from Adelaide to Trinidad was one of the longest flight routes in existence – and Sobers just made it on to the field. Advertisement And what of Graham Gooch? He, too, was determined to give his all both to club and country in 1988, when the fifth and final day of the Sri Lanka Test clashed with the opening day of Essex's title-chasing match against Surrey. Happily, both matches were in London. Unhappily, England failed to wrap up their game at Lord's before lunch as they should have done. Essex, fielding only 10 men, watched Darren Bicknell and Alec Stewart put on a century partnership at the Oval as Gooch sweated in the Lord's turret. Even worse, when England did finally get the single run they needed for victory, the presentation was delayed because the BBC, who insisted on showing it live, was waiting for Neighbours to finish. It just goes to show that – to paraphrase St Paul – while all things are possible, they're not all profitable. That was certainly the conclusion Sunil Narine came to when contemplating the 9,000-mile round trip between Dallas and Birmingham required to get him from Major League Cricket to the Vitality Blast finals day two summers ago. Perhaps Shakib Al Hasan learned it too, after flying all the way to the UK for a single championship game last September and finding himself with a ban for an illegal bowling action. Time to think global, play local …
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Haider Ali – The fruit seller who refused to let go of his cricket dream
Born in Pakistan, Haider Ali now represents UAE. (Image: Special Arrangement) Born in a small village in Pakistan where cricketing facilities were nonexistent and education was prioritised over sport, Haider Ali 's path to the UAE national team was anything but conventional. He never played age-group cricket, worked as a night-time waiter, sold fruits during the pandemic and even survived a near-fatal accident that almost ended his career. Yet, he never gave up. Today, at 30, the left-arm spinner stands tall as one of UAE cricket's most promising cricketers, having played a pivotal role in their historic T20I series win over Bangladesh and shining in franchise cricket with Dubai Capitals in ILT20. From village dust to Lahore dreams Haider Ali's journey to international cricket is the stuff of Bollywood dramas — minus the glamour. Born in a remote village (Kamalia Azmat Shah) in Pakistan, Haider was never meant to be a cricketer. There were no playgrounds, no nets and most importantly, no permission. His uncle, who raised him, made it clear: no cricket until you pass your Matric (Class 10) exams. That meant missing all formative cricket — school, under-14, under-16. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I came from a very small village which had no facilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 4BHK+Family Lounge+Utility room at 4.49Cr (All Incl)* ATS Triumph, Gurgaon Book Now Undo My uncle, who took care of me and my education, did not allow me to play," Haider told "He used to say that first you have to clear the matric exam… after that I won't stop you." Once he graduated, he left for Lahore — five hours away — on a one-way ticket to chase his dream. He found a cricketing home at Ludhiana Gymkhana Club, under the guidance of Akhtar Mumtaz. Days were for cricket. Nights were for survival. "I used to work as a waiter in the night time and during the day I played cricket and exercised in the gym. My family didn't know anything… they only knew that their son was playing cricket in Lahore," he said. EPIC IS BACK! ILT20 set for explosive return on December 2, 2025 Then came COVID. Marriage halls shut, jobs vanished and Haider became a fruit seller. Yet, cricket remained. "I worked (for) almost four years as a fruit seller, but I did not leave my cricket. I kept practicing my skills, because cricket is my passion and my father's dream." But tragedy struck again — a life-threatening accident. He fell 30 feet from a bridge when an overloaded auto-rickshaw toppled while transporting fruits. "The auto fell down… I broke my shoulder, leg, nasal bone and others. But I am very lucky, God has given me a second life," he said. Most people told him it was over. "A lot of big cricketers, including Test players, told me that 'your career is over.' But I didn't believe them. I had worked too hard and believed that God would give me my result." A new life in the UAE Haider Ali. (Image: Special Arrangement) Haider's belief pushed him to take the most painful step yet — leaving home and Pakistan. With just 10 Pakistani rupees in his pocket (barely 1 Dirham), he flew to the UAE, tears in his eyes, for a better future. "It's a very emotional topic for me," he said, his voice cracking. "When I was leaving, my mom was crying… my dad too. I told my mom that I will return only after making you all proud." He found initial support in the Seven Districts cricket team, especially from its owner Muhammad Haider and his father Amir Ali. "We are not in touch now, but they gave me everything in the first two and a half years here," he acknowledged. ILT20 Season 4 Dates Announced Today, Haider represents Karwan Cricket Club — one of UAE's premier sides — and credits Babar Iqbal for his continued growth. Even in Dubai, the grind hasn't stopped. His routine reflects his obsession. "My day starts at 3:30 am. I go swimming, then practice. I sleep a bit, then wake up around 2-3 pm and train again — bowling and fielding drills in 45 degrees Celsius. Then I go to the gym. I don't care what others are doing. I work when no one is watching except for God." Making history and dreams come true Haider Ali. (Image: Special Arrangement) On May 21, 2025, Haider Ali etched his name in UAE cricket folklore. Playing a pivotal role, the 30-year-old left-arm spinner took 3 for 7 in four overs, helping UAE clinch their first T20I series win over a Test-playing nation — Bangladesh — in Sharjah. It wasn't just a series win. It was validation. From being a waiter and fruit-seller in Lahore to taking key wickets against a full-member nation, Haider has proven everyone wrong — except himself. "I always believed that God would give me my time. As the Almighty always says: you do the hard work, and leave the result to me." Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
EXCLUSIVE: 'These successes are for my father' — UAE's Haider Ali credits ILT20, coach Lalchand Rajput and family for his meteoric rise
Haider Ali NEW DELHI: Haider Ali has played just three T20 Internationals, but the 30-year-old left-arm spinner from Lahore has become the heartbeat of UAE cricket after helping his adopted nation script a historic series win over Bangladesh on May 21 in Sharjah — UAE's first ever T20I series victory against a Test-playing nation. In an exclusive interview with a visibly emotional Haider reflected on what the milestone meant to him and dedicated his performances to the people who helped shape his journey — his family, his late father and his cricketing mentors. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I was crying when we won the series. These successes are for my family, for my village and especially for my late father who passed away last year. I haven't met him since I came to Dubai four years ago," Haider said. "We have struggled together. So, these successes are for all those well-wishers." Haider, who returned sensational figures of 3 for 7 in the series decider, turned the match on its head in two Powerplay overs (2-1-2-3) that wrecked the Bangladesh top order. Earlier, in the second T20I, he held his nerve with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 15 off six balls and hitting the winning run in a dramatic 206-run chase. 'They outplayed us tonight': Ryan Rickelton admits as MI face Eliminator test "This is a proud moment, not just for me, but for everyone involved — the support staff, team management and Emirates Cricket Board. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo It feels great to perform for your team against a Test nation. Such performances stay in the memory forever," he beamed. While Haider is just starting his international journey, he believes the foundation for UAE's recent rise was laid in the ILT20 league and under the watchful eye of head coach Lalchand Rajput . Haider Ali ILT20 league "ILT20 gave me everything," Haider admitted. "I was the best bowler in ILT20's development tournament, then became the 'Emerging Player' in the first season. I bowled well last season too, and from there, got selected for the national team. It's a massive platform — not only for local players but internationals too. Look at Jake Fraser-McGruk from Australia — he came, performed, and got a national call-up. In the next 2-3 years, ILT20 has the calibre to match PSL or other top leagues. " Dubai Capitals Haider's admiration for coach Lalchand Rajput is equally deep-rooted. "He's played at the highest level for India, and his coaching experience is vast. Since he joined, the environment has been so positive. He never makes us feel like he's the coach — it's like a family. He backs fighters — players who don't give up. I'm learning a lot from him and hope to absorb more in the future." Haider Ali Haider's work ethic has also played a big role in his rapid ascent. Aware of the dew factor in UAE's night matches, he adapted in unique ways. "I fill a bucket with water, soak 30-40 balls in it and bowl with them during practice. So when the actual match happens, I feel no difference. I bowl 20-30 overs a day — because to beat a Test-playing nation, you have to go the extra mile." He added, "My goal is clear — I've reached this level now and I never want to drop below. I want to leave UAE cricket better than I found it. I plan and train keeping that vision in mind." Haider Ali His passion for batting also surfaced during the second T20I when UAE needed 29 off the final two overs. "I love batting. All bowlers do!" he laughed. "I told myself, 'Haider, today is the day you show the world what you can do,' and thankfully, I delivered." Quiz: Who's that IPL player? Haider also heaped praise on the Emirates Cricket Board. "The board is working tirelessly for the players — they're giving us support, facilities and direction. My aim now is to help UAE qualify for the next T20 World Cup and take this team to even greater heights." With tears of joy still fresh from UAE's series win and ILT20 triumph with Dubai Capitals, Haider's story is not just one of sporting success but of deep personal meaning. "I think the people in my village were happier than I was," he smiled. "They've supported me so much, and this is for them. For my well-wishers, my family, and most of all — for my father. This is just the beginning." Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
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First Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Imad Wasim unimpressed by Sikandar Raza's last-minute return for PSL Final: 'Money can do things for you'
Sikandar Raza made headlines globally for representing Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League final, arriving at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium just 10 minutes before toss, less than 24 hours after the one-off Test between England and Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Nottingham concluded. read more Imad Wasim described Sikandar Raza as a 'wonderful human being and a proper team player', even if he wasn't entirely impressed with his feat of playing a Test and the PSL final in less than 24 hours. Image: AP/Reuters Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza made headlines globally for his extraordinary feat of playing a Test against England as well as the Pakistan Super League final on back-to-back days, with the two games happening more than 5,000 kilometres away from one another. Raza has received widespread praise from experts and fans alike for his passion for the game, representing his nation in the highest form of the game without sacrificing on commitment to Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Imad Wasim feels financial incentive led to Sikandar Raza's return Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim, however, isn't one to think along those lines and believes it's the love for money that inspired Raza to return to Lahore in time for the PSL final, in which the Qalandars took on Quetta Gladiators and won. 'Like Shoaib Akhtar said — money can do things for you,' Wasim was quoted by Geo Super as saying. 'If you're getting paid, you'll go. I travel a lot too. Sometimes, one match ends, and the next day you're playing another. I've traveled 24 hours straight and gone directly into a match. So yes, money can make different things happen,' he added. Despite offering a take on Raza's return that is starkly different from the popular sentiment, Wasim heaped praise on Raza for being a 'wonderful human being and a proper team player'. 'Sikandar Raza is a great player — he's been performing consistently around the world for the last couple of years. He even won the ILT20 final for his team. 'He's a wonderful human being and a proper team player. I've played both with and against him, and the way he has performed recently, you can definitely call him a match-winner,' Wasim added. Raza had left the Qalandars camp to play Zimbabwe's one-off Test against England at Trent Bridge, which ended inside three days with the Ben Stokes-led hosts collecting an innings and 45-run victory. The spinner dismissed opener Zak Crawley (124), who was one of three Englishmen to score a century in that Test, and later scored an attacking 60 off 68 balls. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By the time the one-off Test concluded, there was less than 24 hours left for the Qalandars-Gladiators final to get underway. Raza went straight to the airport after the match got over and boarded a flight to Pakistan. The Qalandars, meanwhile, had two team sheets ready as they were unsure if Raza would reach the venue on time for the match. One had the Pakistani-born Zimbabwean, while the other had veteran Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan. In the end, Raza arrived at the Gaddafi Stadium just 10 minutes before the toss. And in the end, he would steer Lahore Qalandars to their third PSL title with an unbeaten 22 off 7 balls, which helped the Shaheen Afridi-led side chase down the 202-run target set by the Gladiators with a delivery to spare.
NDTV
15-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Muhammad Waseem Returns As UAE Captain For T20Is Against Bangladesh
Muhammad Waseem has been reinstated as captain of the UAE T20I team for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh in Sharjah, set to begin later this week. Waseem had previously stepped down from the role in October last year after leading the side in 26 matches between 2023 and 2024, citing a desire to focus on his ODI batting. The two-match series scheduled on May 17 and 19 will be UAE's first T20I appearance since December, when they won the Gulf T20 Championship by defeating Kuwait in the final. The level of competition will rise significantly with Bangladesh as their opponent, compared to the earlier tournament that featured Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar. Following Waseem's resignation, wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Chopra had taken over the captaincy. Notably, Waseem remains the UAE's most prolific T20I batter and has scored more T20I runs than any other player globally since his debut in 2021. However, his recent form has dipped - he failed to register a half-century in the ILT20 and his last fifty came in December against Qatar. In ODIs, he has managed just one half-century over the last two years. UAE enter the Bangladesh series on the back of a difficult run in the Cricket World Cup League 2 in the Netherlands, where they suffered two losses each to the Netherlands and Scotland. Their only win came against Scotland, highlighted by a century from Chopra and a four-wicket haul by left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh. UAE squad for T20I series against Bangladesh: Muhammad Waseem (capt), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D' Souza, Haider Ali, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Zuhaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Saghir Khan, Sanchit Sharma, Simranjeet Singh. Listen to the latest songs, only on
