Zimbabwe all-rounder and T20I captain Sikandar Raza has made a decisive statement about his international career. Although born in Sialkot, Pakistan, Raza has firmly declined any chance to represent his country of birth in international cricket.
Now a prominent name in white-ball cricket globally, Raza has built a remarkable reputation in major T20 leagues for his powerful lower-order batting, key wicket-taking abilities, and outstanding fielding skills.
Sikandar Raza declines the Pakistan cricket team’s opportunity
During a recent social media Q&A, speculation arose about whether Sikandar Raza might consider representing Pakistan, potentially addressing their middle-order issues. However, Raza quickly dismissed these suggestions, reaffirming his steadfast loyalty to Zimbabwe.
He stated that, despite his birthplace being Pakistan, his cricketing career and identity are firmly associated with Zimbabwe. Since his debut for Zimbabwe in 2013, Raza has been a key player and is committed to honoring the support and trust of the Chevrons.
In response to a query from Umar Farooq Kalson, Raza emphasized that Zimbabwe is his top priority, and he is devoted to repaying the team’s confidence by remaining loyal to them.
Recently, Raza captained Zimbabwe in a five-match T20I series against India, where his team managed only one win. Nonetheless, Raza was the standout performer in the home T20I series against India.
Zim is mine and am theirs fully: Sikandar Raza
Well, Umar Farooq Kalson asked the Zimbabwe skipper during his Q&A session on X: “Have you ever thought about playing for Pakistan? You could help resolve the middle-order batting woes.” To which the star all-rounder’s absolute gold response went viral across social media platforms, winning hearts with his loyalty to Zimbabwe cricket.
Sikandar Raza replied by saying, “I am a born Pakistani and a product of Zimbabwe Cricket. I will only and ever represent Zimbabwe. I spent time and money on me, and I am only trying to repay their faith, and whatever I achieve will never even get close to repaying it. Zim is mine and am theirs fully.”
Sikandar Raza replied by saying, “I am a born Pakistani and a product of Zimbabwe Cricket. I will only and ever represent Zimbabwe. I spent time and money on me, and I am only trying to repay their faith, and whatever I achieve will never even get close to repaying it. Zim is mine and am theirs fully.”
Highlights of Sikandar Raza’s journey
Since starting his international cricket career, Sikandar Raza has played 17 Test matches, 142 ODIs, and 91 T20Is for Zimbabwe. The 38-year-old has accumulated over 1,100 runs in Test cricket, more than 4,000 runs in ODIs, and over 2,000 runs in T20Is.
As an off-spinner, Raza has claimed 34 wickets in Tests, 88 in ODIs, and 66 in T20Is. At age 11, he aspired to be a fighter pilot and successfully passed the entrance exam, securing one of 60 spots out of 60,000 applicants in an Air Force college.
However, his dream was dashed when he failed an eye test in his third year. Despite this setback, Raza’s path led him to cricket. He began as a semi-professional cricketer, studied at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland, and later moved to Zimbabwe, making his first-class debut in 2007.
