Do you recall Zimbabwe’s first ODI against Bangladesh in 2022? If not, here’s a recap. Bangladesh’s batters scored an impressive 303 for two. By the end of the second over, Zimbabwe had already lost both openers. They were at 62 for three when Sikandar Raza took to the pitch. He went on to contribute 135 runs of the 240 required, leading Zimbabwe to victory with almost two overs to go.
Raza didn’t stop there; he also saved the following ODI with another century, ultimately becoming the top scorer in Zimbabwe’s first series win in three years. The then 36-year-old attributed his tenacity to his training in the Pakistan Air Force, stating, “I couldn’t become a fighter pilot, but as a person, I will always be a fighter.”
This week, Raza’s exhilarating journey continued. He scored a half-century in a Test match against England at Trent Bridge on Saturday, and less than 24 hours later, he hit the winning runs in the Pakistan Super League final in Lahore. His journey required a nearly 100-mile drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, and perhaps next time, he should consider borrowing an F-16 for quicker travel.
Raza’s accomplishments have sparked mixed reactions. For the enthusiastic Lahore Qalandars fans, it epitomizes ultimate dedication to the club. Conversely, others see it as a warning sign of an overloaded cricket calendar. Imad Wasim, who played for numerous franchise teams in 2023 and 2024, trenchantly remarked, “If you’re getting paid, you’ll go.”
Concerns about overlapping commitments are valid. The pressure from tight schedules and lucrative contracts may lead players into difficult situations. Earlier this year, Sri Lanka Cricket was disappointed with Dasun Shanaka, who flew from the ILT20 league after putting in an impressive performance to help his first-class side. After leaving early due to a concussion substitute, he appeared later in Dubai, resulting in a hefty fine from Sri Lanka Cricket.
This ongoing dilemma isn’t new; it has existed throughout cricket’s history. For instance, WG Grace navigated his own overlapping schedule in the 19th century, maximizing rail routes to juggle multiple matches. His efforts led to a remarkable performance that solidified his legendary status. Similar instances involving players like Garry Sobers and Graham Gooch further demonstrate this age-old challenge.
Ultimately, while success in multiple commitments is possible, it may not always be feasible or beneficial. Sunil Narine’s lengthy travel from Major League Cricket to the UK highlights this point, as did Shakib Al Hasan’s experience with a single game leading to a ban. Perhaps it’s time to focus on local engagements instead of global pursuits.
