Sikandar Raza, an all-rounder for Zimbabwe, has praised Indian franchise cricket, stating that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is superior to the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Raza is expected to play for Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL 2024 season, which is scheduled to start in March.
Responding to Sports Now, Raza stated that only the PSL can match the IPL in terms of attendance, citing the presence of elite foreign players as what makes the IPL really unique. Raza is a player with Lahore Qalandars during the PSL and PBKS during the IPL.
Sikander Raza said, “I just think that the availability of all the players for one tournament makes IPL really special. In most of the matches we play, the crowd comes and supports their teams. That’s something that’s really different in IPL. The only other league when it comes to crowds that comes close to IPL is PSL. So, I think IPL definitely stands out with a couple of factors.”
He continued by saying that the PSL is not nearly as good as the IPL, which is the largest league in the world. While the PSL will begin its ninth edition in March, the IPL will have its 17th season in 2024.
He added, “IPL is by far the best league when it comes to PSL also. Like, it is much better than PSL. That’s what I’m trying to say. Yeah, I’m not a big fan of comparisons. But yes, it is. I think IPL is the biggest league on the planet.”
“I don’t think I would have been part of IPL last year” : Sikander Raza
Regarding his IPL franchise PBKS, Raza stated that because they were the sole team to place a bid for him during the IPL 2023 auction, he will never be able to return their trust in him. Raza was acquired by the Punjab-based team at Rs 50 lakh during the IPL 2023 mini-auction.
Punjab Kings All-rounder said, “IPL is such a big and global event that I am very grateful and blessed that Punjab picked me. And I don’t think I can ever repay their faith. I mean, they were the only team that raised the baton on the auction day. So, if they hadn’t done that, I don’t think I would have been part of IPL last year, let alone this year.”
