In the shadow of Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain, Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza scripted a poignant chapter of professional dedication amidst profound personal grief. Just days after the tragic loss of his 13-year-old brother in Harare on December 29, Raza took the field for the Paarl Royals in the SA20, becoming the first cricketer from Zimbabwe to feature in the prestigious league. His remarkable spell of 4/13 against MI Cape Town was not just a sporting achievement but a testament to immense resilience.
A Journey Forged Through Detours and Determination
Sikandar Raza's path to becoming a T20 globetrotter was anything but linear. Born in Sialkot, his dreams initially veered towards aviation and computing. He pursued a degree in computing from a university in Glasgow before cricket finally took centre stage after his family's relocation to Zimbabwe. Now 39, his career, spanning close to two decades, has seen him represent a staggering 43 teams, with 22 of those in various T20 leagues worldwide, including the IPL, BPL, PSL, and ILT20.
This reinvention followed sombre years in international cricket and a life-threatening bone marrow infection in 2021. "I remember there was a time when I used to look at the cricketers that used to do the circuit and I always used to say, Allah, when will my turn come?" Raza recalled emotionally. "Now that my turn is here, I am grateful for every opportunity."
Playing Through Pain: A Promise to His Team
The decision to join the Paarl Royals camp shortly after his brother's passing was weighed with heavy emotion. Raza, however, was clear in his commitment. In a select media interaction after the win against MI Cape Town, he revealed his conversation with the team. "I did say to my team as well, if I wasn't mentally, physically and emotionally ready, I wouldn't be here," Raza stated.
"The fact that I think that I can add value, I've decided to join you, and I will take nothing away from you. I'll give as much as I can to the team, the energy, the experience, whatever you ask me to do, I'll do it," he affirmed. His celebratory fist pumps after each wicket at Newlands carried the weight of this promise, a powerful display of channeling personal sorrow into professional excellence.
Paving the Way for Zimbabwe and Eyeing World Cup Respect
Beyond personal milestones, Raza is driven by a larger purpose for Zimbabwean cricket. He firmly believes that strong performances by players from his nation in global leagues open doors for others back home. "If you look at the last few years, whenever a Zimbabwean has gone to a league and done well, it has certainly opened doors for more Zimbabweans," he explained.
His focus now shifts to a crucial assignment: leading Zimbabwe in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Drawing inspiration from their historic win over Pakistan in the 2022 edition, Raza views the World Cup as the ultimate platform to earn respect. "I always think for Zimbabwe to gain more respect in world cricket, World Cups play a huge part. We have the mindset to go there and try and do really well," said the captain.
While he shuns the limelight off the field, preferring quiet days indoors, Raza hopes his actions speak louder than words. "Hopefully my performances can inspire the other Sikandars in Zimbabwe and all over the world," said the veteran all-rounder, whose story remains one of unwavering grit, faith, and an enduring love for the game.
