Sikandar Raza Says He Would Leave Franchise Cricket for Zimbabwe Duty
Sikandar Raza says he is prepared to walk away from franchise cricket if it clashes with Zimbabwe’s international commitments, declaring that national duty remains his biggest priority despite the growing demands of the modern game.
The Zimbabwe T20 captain admitted that balancing all three formats has become increasingly challenging as he tries to manage his body and workload at the age of 39.
Speaking during an interview with Zimpapers, Raza said his focus is now firmly centred on white-ball cricket, where he still feels he can consistently give his best for the country.
“I will not miss any white-ball game for my country, and if that means I have to leave any league, then I will,” said Raza.
Also Read: Sikandar Raza Wins Player of the Match Despite Zimbabwe’s Loss to South Africa
Workload Management Now Key
The veteran all-rounder acknowledged that continuing to play Tests, One Day Internationals and T20 cricket regularly is no longer realistic without carefully managing his fitness.
While he remains committed to Test cricket, Raza said he would likely become more selective in the longer format depending on Zimbabwe’s schedule.
He explained that if Zimbabwe played six Test matches, he would target playing around half of them, while a heavier schedule would require even more careful planning.
Raza said protecting his body had become one of the most important aspects of prolonging his career.
Strong Year for Zimbabwe Cricket
Raza has continued to cement his reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s most influential cricketers, both as a leader and performer across formats.
Earlier this year, he guided the Zimbabwe national cricket team to a memorable Super Eight finish at the ICC T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe enjoyed one of their best tournaments in recent years, recording impressive wins over Australia, Sri Lanka and Oman before progressing through the group stages unbeaten.
Although the Chevrons eventually lost to India, South Africa and the West Indies in the Super Eight phase, the team’s performances drew global attention.
Muzarabani Receives Full Support
The World Cup campaign also increased interest in several Zimbabwean players on the franchise circuit, including Blessing Muzarabani, Brian Bennett and Ryan Burl.
Muzarabani attracted offers from both the Pakistan Super League and the Indian Premier League before choosing to join Kolkata Knight Riders.
Raza said the fast bowler deserved support for making a decision he believed would benefit his future and family.
According to Raza, players must sometimes make difficult career choices, especially when opportunities arise in major global competitions like the IPL.
Franchise Experience Will Benefit Zimbabwe
Despite mixed fortunes for Zimbabwean players in this year’s Pakistan Super League, Raza believes the exposure gained in elite competitions will help strengthen the national team in the long term.
Raza and Burl represented Lahore Qalandars, while Bennett turned out for Peshawar Zalmi.
However, Lahore missed out on a play-off place while Bennett struggled for regular game time.
Muzarabani also had limited opportunities at Kolkata Knight Riders.
Even so, Raza said the experience of training and competing in different environments would help Zimbabwe’s players continue improving.
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