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[EXCLUSIVE] "I was told that I wasn't good enough": Sikandar Raza

FearlessRoar

T20I Star
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Sep 11, 2023
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In a recent exclusive interview with PakPassion, Pakistan-born Zimbabwean cricketer Sikandar Raza joined Saj following the recently concluded Pakistan-Zimbabwe series. The conversation delved into several intriguing aspects of Raza’s cricketing journey and the broader dynamics of Zimbabwean cricket.

During the interview, Sikandar shared his thoughts on Zimbabwe's performance in the series against Pakistan, analyzing key moments and highlighting areas where the team excelled or needed improvement.

He also discussed Ben Curran's potential international debut for Zimbabwe, expressing excitement about the prospect of the talented cricketer strengthening the squad in the near future.

Another topic of discussion was Raza’s potential milestone of representing Zimbabwe in 100 T20Is, a significant achievement that underscores his dedication and contributions to Zimbabwean cricket.

Finally, Sikandar revealed his future plans, including aspirations to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), offering fans hope of witnessing his dynamic performances on one of cricket’s premier T20 stages.

Main topics covered in this interview:

Reflections on the recently concluded series against Pakistan:
Analyzes Zimbabwe's performance in the Pakistan series, highlighting key moments, lessons learned, and areas of improvement.

Ben Curran’s potential: Shares his thoughts on Ben Curran’s possible debut for Zimbabwe and how his inclusion could impact the team’s future.

Raza’s Journey with Zimbabwe: Approaching a milestone of 100 T20I appearances, Sikandar reflects on his cricketing journey and the pride of representing Zimbabwe on the global stage.

PSL Aspirations: Discusses his plans for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League playing for Lahore Qalandars, addressing fans’ anticipation of his participation.

Balancing Act: Opens up about how he maintains focus and energy while juggling international cricket, franchise leagues, and personal commitments.

Zimbabwe Cricket: Offering his perspective on the state of Zimbabwean cricket, Raza talks about the team’s growth, strengths, and the hurdles they face.

The Key to longevity in Cricket: Drawing from his extensive career, Sikandar reveals the secrets behind his sustained success, including fitness, discipline, and adapting to the ever-changing demands of the game.

Watch the full interview here:

 
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He would be happy that he managed to beat Pakistan in 2 games during the recent tour.

Lahore Qalandars also mishandled him in the last PSl and he was under-utilized. GOod pall-round player.

He is good enough to be called a good all-round player for Zimbabwe, if not great
 
I think he should have utilized Ben Curran in the T20I series against Afghanistan. Anyway he needs a good supporting Zimbabwe squad to make them rise in world rankings.
 
The star Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza has signed up for the draft of the 10th edition of the PSL

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I hope Sikandar plays for Lahore this time as well and they utilize him good in this season. Last time he was kept waiting and they had to pay the price.

Raza is a good utility player and can smash the ball when needed.
 
A half-century for Sikandar Raza: 61*(104) in his first Test since 2021, in the 2nd Test against Afghanistan
 
Sikandar Raza opens up on PSL availability. On his X, he wrote:

Dear All

"I’ve been tagged and mentioned regarding my availability for PSL and the Historic Test match in England.

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 allRegarding PSL , All the reports of me not returning to Pakistan are also not true."

 
Sikandar Raza is back in Pakistan and has joined the squad of Lahore Qalandars last night.

It will be a great boost for LQ because they needed him at this crucial stage.
 
When Sikandar first started, he wasn't that great.

He eventually got better and did very well over the past 2-3 years.
 
Summary: Seattle Orcas Announce Mid-Season Leadership Changes

The Seattle Orcas, struggling with a 0-5 start in Major League Cricket Season 3, have made key leadership changes to revive their campaign:

Captain Heinrich Klaasen has stepped down from captaincy to focus solely on his batting but remains part of the leadership group.

Sikandar Raza, an experienced international all-rounder, has been appointed the new captain to lead the team through the rest of the season.
 
Sikandar Raza really led from the front.... smashed 47 off 32, picked up 1/23 and ended up as Man of the Match as Zimbabwe took down Sri Lanka.
 
Sikandar Raza who became just the second Zimbabwe player to 100 T20I wickets during the match besides his teammate Richard Ngarava (107), bagged player of the match award for his all-round performance, which handed Zimbabwe their largest T20I triumph against a full-member nation in terms of runs.
 
He’s been an absolute stalwart for Zimbabwe while also earning some keep from T20 leagues around the world.

A true competitor.
 
He’s been an absolute stalwart for Zimbabwe while also earning some keep from T20 leagues around the world.

A true competitor.

I used to remember him being pretty middling in his younger years. What this shows is how continuous skills development can really lead to success even much later in your career. Sikander is nearly 40.

Mo Hafeez aside and Shoaib Malik early in his career, you just don’t see such a reinvention by Pakistani players enough. It tells the likes of an Ahmed Shehzad to get fit, get back in domestic cricket and reinvent yourself as a no.6 rather than expecting people to come to you, because of ‘izzat’. It’s never too late.
 
Zimbabwe should put up a statue of Sikandar Raza at the Harare Sports Club. What a champion he is.(y)(y)
His contribution and leadership are exceptional.
 
He wasn't the most gifted but this dude is mentally very strong.

He reinvented his batting at the ripe old age of 36 and even added some mystery to his bowling.

All this, after fighting some serious physical ailments

Sikandar Raza batting

Before June, 2022

Average : 13.93
Strike rate : 105

From June, 2022

Average: 33.7
Strike rate : 147
 
Sikander Raza is like old school Pakistani players than current PCT players, amazing stuff!
 
Ever since he joined lq, he has been a different cricketer. Huge respect for him
 
Ever since he joined lq, he has been a different cricketer. Huge respect for him
It's the other way around. He started getting picked by LQ and other franchises around the world once his T20I performances improved massively
 
One question,. Would he have had the same success if he had played for Pakistan?
 
What a clutch player he is. A great reminder of the fact that it's never too late if you work hard enough.
 
Sikandar wasn't that good during his initial years. But, became a very good cricketer over the last 5-6 years.

Gutsy fella.

Zimbabwe may struggle to replace him once he retires.
 
Always said Raza would have been massive for Pak team (a lot of posters said he wouldn't have been good enough to make it to Pak team). He might not have been able to make it to Pak team (due to other factors) but lack of performance wouldn't be one of them.
Him and Williams have improved massively since last 5 years.
 
Sikandar Raza became just the 14th batter to score at least three thousand runs in men's T20Is, joining the likes of Pakistan's Babar Azam, India's Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and Australia's David Warner and Aaron Finch.

Most runs in men's T20Is:

Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 4596 runs in 136 innings
Rohit Sharma (India) – 4231 runs in 151 innings
Virat Kohli (India) – 4188 runs in 117 innings
Jos Buttler (England) – 4012 runs in 141 innings
Paul Stirling (Ireland) – 3895 runs in 160 innings
Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 3531 runs in 118 innings
Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – 3414 runs in 93 innings
Muhammad Waseem (UAE) – 3338 runs in 97 innings
David Warner (Australia) – 3277 runs in 110 innings
Suryakumar Yadav (India) – 3243 runs in 104 innings
Virandeep Singh (Malaysia) – 3180 runs in 104 innings
Aaron Finch (Australia) – 3120 runs in 103 innings
Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – 3085 runs in 107 innings
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) – 3016 runs in 127 innings*
 
Sikandar Raza became just the 14th batter to score at least three thousand runs in men's T20Is, joining the likes of Pakistan's Babar Azam, India's Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and Australia's David Warner and Aaron Finch.

Most runs in men's T20Is:

Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 4596 runs in 136 innings
Rohit Sharma (India) – 4231 runs in 151 innings
Virat Kohli (India) – 4188 runs in 117 innings
Jos Buttler (England) – 4012 runs in 141 innings
Paul Stirling (Ireland) – 3895 runs in 160 innings
Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 3531 runs in 118 innings
Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – 3414 runs in 93 innings
Muhammad Waseem (UAE) – 3338 runs in 97 innings
David Warner (Australia) – 3277 runs in 110 innings
Suryakumar Yadav (India) – 3243 runs in 104 innings
Virandeep Singh (Malaysia) – 3180 runs in 104 innings
Aaron Finch (Australia) – 3120 runs in 103 innings
Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – 3085 runs in 107 innings
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) – 3016 runs in 127 innings*
Looks like Babar is the GOAT and not a babbar sher like you guys keep talking about! 😂
 
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