- Raza meteoric rise in cricket
- Becomes Zimbabwe’s cricket icon
- Balances play with philanthropy
Since 2022, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, who was born in Pakistan, has been on a runaway.
In addition to finishing as the first player to amass five consecutive fifty-plus scores in Twenty20 internationals (T20I), the 37-year-old has been nominated for the ICC Twenty20 International Player of the Year award for two consecutive years.
Raza has amassed nearly 2,500 runs since January 2022, including four centuries at an average of over 40 in one-day internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Additionally, he has claimed 71 wickets during the same time frame.
With virtually unwavering support, Raza has reignited Zimbabwe’s passion for cricket and is without question the most revered athlete in his adopted country, which is predominately dominated by football.
His praise extends beyond his musical compositions. The narrative is concluded by the adoration of sold-out audiences at Zimbabwe’s international cricket matches over the past two years.
A widely recognized refrain initially written for the esteemed former captain of the largest football club in Zimbabwe, “Monya” has since been transformed into Raza’s on-air anthem. “Raza” replaces the moniker of former Dynamos FC captain Murape Murape in the special rendition that reverberates throughout cricket stadiums in Harare or Bulawayo.
The remaining verses of this uncomplicated melody persist in their melodic declaration that their hero is not merely splendid, akin to a delightful regional brand of coffee creamer, but also so excellent that it appears his entire body is encased in this delectable powdered milk that they adore so much.
Formerly timid, the Pakistani cricketer now plays on the sidelines as an enthusiastic Zimbabwean. He has resided in that location for the previous twenty years and currently holds the T20I record for the nation.
Born in Sialkot, a city renowned for manufacturing sports products in northeast Pakistan, the all-rounder has fond recollections of his childhood there.
“During my youth in Pakistan, I devoted my entire life to academic pursuits,” Raza disclosed. street cricket occupied a significant portion of my youth. It was through playing street cricket with a taped tennis ball that I first became acquainted with the sport.
How a “common player” rose to become the greatest in Zimbabwe
Raza and his parents relocated from Pakistan to Zimbabwe in 2003. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in software engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland, from which he graduated shortly thereafter.
Those adoring him at the stadium would be surprised to learn that Raza’s talents might not have been appreciated to the same degree had he not chosen to suspend his academic pursuits to pursue a cricketing career. He unexpectedly discovered the sport and subsequently recognized his aptitude for it.
Raza recalled, “I had only one year, 2009, to decide whether cricket would be my true vocation, so I did not exactly believe it would be.”
“Had that cricket season not transpired, I intended to return to Scotland to pursue a master’s degree in software engineering.” During my sabbatical year, I attempted cricket. “I suppose I was fortunate because cricket worked out and I was not required to return to school to complete my master’s.”
Raza used to participate in amateur cricket during his studies in Scotland and vacations in Zimbabwe. His approach to the game, however, was casual. This is to be expected of an individual who is fixated on a different professional trajectory.
Numerous spectators at the time failed to recognize his potential as a professional cricketer.
“When he first joined the club cricket team, Raza was an ordinary player,” said former Zimbabwe coach Stephen Mangongo. However, what captured my attention was his exuberance, insatiable desire for knowledge, and eagerness to train.
Raza bows assentively
“I, too, never imagined becoming an international cricketer,” he acknowledges. “Playing cricket was merely an opportunity for me to enjoy life.” You require an activity, preferably a wholesome hobby. As opposed to quitting and doing nothing while in bed. “Cricket has consistently been a source of joy and a source of passion for me.”
Raza refuses to acknowledge it, but the sudden desire to represent Zimbabwe in international cricket was ignited by the realization that few players in the country at the time were better than him if he put forth sufficient effort.
As a former Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) official, sports writer Blessing Maulgue was present during the formative years of Raza’s career.
Maulgue recounted, “I first observed his bat during a league match for Alexandra Sports Club.”
“Although he did not score many runs, he was extremely aggressive and broke a few boundaries. Raza stated in our post-match conversation that he was merely having fun.
In 2013, following his emancipation from Zimbabwe, Raza made his international debut. He rose from being an underrated club cricketer and fighter pilot aspirant to becoming one of the greatest white-ball cricketers in the world.
“The sole purpose was to determine who was in front of me.” “At all times, the goal was to attain the highest position in the nation.”
Eleven years later, with over 7,000 runs scored across formats and 240 matches played, Raza is held in the highest regard and admiration by his colleagues, as Sean Williams attests.
“Defining precisely how Raz has evolved into this caliber of cricketer is an extremely difficult task,” Williams said.
“He has entirely transformed into a player.” “It was thrilling to observe him when he first entered the pitch because he was fearless, and that is precisely the essence of the sport.”
“A genuinely excellent human being”
Not solely his runs and wickets contribute to the admiration and affection he receives from others.
“Raza has developed into a truly good person off the pitch of cricket as well,” Williams remarked.
“It is his faith that has sustained him throughout his international and franchise cricket career.” He prioritizes his faith above all else. Numerous aspects of Raza are not readily apparent to others. The charity work he performs, including work with cancer foundations and orphanages, is all unseen. He dedicates his time to that endeavor.
“His stay at home to visit his family will be limited to two to three days.” He visits these destitute children who are ill and provides them with something. He is in the company of them. That is invaluable in my opinion; it speaks volumes about his character.”
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An examination of the attire Raza has donned throughout his profession reveals why he is unable to spend considerable time at home. Playing for over 25 teams and franchises, he has participated in over 220 domestic Twenty20s and nearly 250 List A contests.
Even though franchise cricket provides him with ample opportunities to play his favorite sport during Zimbabwe’s few international appearances, there is another reason he enjoys working his trade internationally.
Raza expresses gratitude for the financial support his philanthropic endeavors receive from the profits generated by the Twenty20 leagues worldwide. As the numerous Twenty20 leagues populate the cricket calendar, cricketers have the opportunity to generate a respectable income.
Life on the road is enjoyable and the money is excellent. However, it is physically taxing on the participants.
“Travel is an integral part of franchise cricket. “We are in a constant state of transition, particularly if you are also engaged in international cricket,” Raza continued.
“Tears are shed on the body at times.” People do consider that way of life to be privileged. It is indulged in. We are privileged. The hotels are pleasant, as is the cuisine, and the cricket is of satisfactory quality. The advantages of participating in franchise cricket are pleasant. Although it may appear to be a glamorous existence, I assure you that it is not nearly as glamorous on the inside.
