Sikandar Raza Archives

Sikandar Raza faces personal tragedy as younger brother dies

Zimbabwe T20I captain Sikandar Raza is going through a difficult time after his younger brother Muhammad Mahdi tragically passed away at the age of 13, the Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday.

The news was shared via Zimbabwe Cricket’s social handle, detailing Mahdi’s death.

“Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) extends its heartfelt condolences to Zimbabwe T20I Captain Sikandar Raza and his family following the untimely passing of his beloved younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi, who died on 29 December 2025 in Harare at the age of 13,” the statement wrote on X handle.

“Muhammad Mahdi was born with haemophilia and sadly lost his life due to recent health complications,” it added.

The board condoled the cricketer and said that it stood united with Sikandar Raza and his family during the difficult time.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“He was laid to rest on 30 December 2025 at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare. The ZC Board, Management, Players, and Staff stand united in solidarity with Sikandar Raza and his family during this profoundly difficult time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zimbabwe Cricket (@zimbabwe.cricket)

May Allah grant them comfort and strength, and may Muhammad Mahdi’s soul rest in eternal peace,” it concluded.

Following the news, Sikandar Raza’s supporters rallied around him on social media, offering support during his challenging time.

For those unversed, Sikandar Raza has so far represented Zimbabwe in 127 T20Is, 22 Tests, and 153 ODIs. The ace all-rounder has become a prominent name in the T20 circuit in the past couple of years.

READ: Hasan Ali, Chris Lynn dazzle as Strikers break New Year jinx in BBL 15

Sikandar Raza reaches major T20I milestone in Sri Lanka win

RAWALPINDI: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza added another chapter to his remarkable T20I career on Thursday, becoming only the second bowler from his country to claim 100 wickets in the format during the tri-series fixture against Sri Lanka.

Raza hit the milestone in trademark style, cleaning up Kamindu Mendis for nine in his third over while defending 162.

With this wicket, the all-rounder joined teammate Richard Ngarava in Zimbabwe’s elite 100-wicket club, Ngarava currently leads the tally with 106 scalps.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Most wickets for Zimbabwe in men’s T20Is:

Richard Ngarava – 106 wickets in 89* matches
Sikandar Raza – 100 wickets in 125* matches
Blessing Muzarabani – 93 wickets in 83 matches
Luke Jongwe – 66 wickets in 65 matches
Tendai Chatara – 65 wickets in 60 matches

Notably, Raza has also become only the third player in men’s T20I history to score over 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets, joining Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi.

Shakib tops the list with 2551 runs and 149 wickets, followed by Nabi with 2417 runs and 104 dismissals. Raza sits firmly alongside them with 2823 runs to go with his newly completed century of wickets.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here!

But the night belonged to him in more ways than one. Raza’s all-round brilliance powered Zimbabwe to a commanding 67-run win over Sri Lanka, earning him the Player of the Match award.

After being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 162-8, built around Brian Bennett’s steady 49 and Raza’s explosive 47 off just 32 balls.

In reply, Sri Lanka never found momentum, folding for 95 as Zimbabwe sealed a comprehensive victory.

READ: Paul Pogba set for football return after 26 months out

Pakistan wicket-keeper to replace Sikandar Raza in Quetta Qavalry

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has joined Quetta Qavalry as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza ahead of the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, set to take place from November 18 to 30.

The franchise announced the update via social media, confirming that Raza would be unavailable due to national commitments and welcoming Azam as his replacement.

“Another powerhouse saddles up. Azam Khan joins the Qavalry squad as Sikandar Raza serves national duty. Khush Aamdeed, Impact Khan,” the franchise posted.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Quetta Qavalry (@quettaqavalry)

Raza’s withdrawal comes as he prepares to lead Zimbabwe in their upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan starting Wednesday in Harare, followed by a T20I tri-series in Pakistan featuring the hosts and Sri Lanka next month.

For Azam Khan, this marks another stint with a Quetta-based franchise, having previously represented the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from 2018 to 2021.

The hard-hitting batter has played 61 PSL matches, scoring 1,206 runs at a strike rate of 143.40, including six half-centuries.

He also brings global T20 experience, having featured in the ILT20, CPL, BPL, and LPL.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

However, at the international level, Azam is yet to make a strong impression, managing 88 runs in 14 T20Is for Pakistan at an average of 8.80 and a strike rate of 133.33.

Meanwhile, the debutant Quetta Qavalry has assembled a strong squad for their maiden campaign, featuring big names such as Liam Livingstone, Jason Holder, Mohammad Amir, Imran Tahir, and Muhammad Waseem.

The team will be coached by Yasir Arafat, with Javeria Khan serving as team director.

Quetta Qavalry squad for Abu Dhabi T10 League

Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Amir, Jason Holder, Azam Khan, Andries Gous, Muhammad Waseem, Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Gudakesh Motie, Ali Naseer, Khuzaima Bin Tanvir, Abdul Ghaffar, Abbas Afridi, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khawaja Nafay, Arafat Minhas, Umer Zeeshan Lohya and George Scrimshaw.

READ: Mike Hesson breaks silence on Mohammad Haris’ exclusion from T20I squad

Sikandar Raza becomes No.1 ODI all-rounder in ICC Rankings

DUBAI: Zimbabwe’s veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza has climbed to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI All-rounder Rankings for the first time in his career following a stellar performance against Sri Lanka.

The 39-year-old produced scores of 92 and an unbeaten 59, along with a wicket in the two-match ODI series in Harare, to leapfrog Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, who now occupy second and third place, respectively.

The previous career-best ranking for Sikandar Raza was No.2 in December 2023.

Raza’s exploits with the bat also saw him surge nine spots to 22nd in the ICC ODI Batting Rankings, edging closer to his career-high of 24th set last year.

He further gained one position in the bowling charts, now sitting at 38th.

Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka, who emerged as the leading run-scorer with 198 runs and was named Player of the Series, jumped seven places to 13th among batters.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

His teammate Janith Liyanage rose 13 places to 29th, while Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams moved up three places to 47th.

Elsewhere, Scotland’s George Munsey advanced to 34th after a match-winning 84 not out against Canada in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, and South Africa’s Tony de Zorzi climbed to 64th.

In the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj claimed the outright No.1 spot after his four-wicket haul against England in Leeds pushed him ahead of Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana.

England pacer Jofra Archer (up six places to 19th) and Lungi Ngidi (up five places to joint-23rd) also made notable progress.

Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando rose to 31st, while Dilshan Madushanka’s hat-trick and four for 62 in Harare lifted him from 60th to 52nd.

READ: Former Pakistan cricketer slams Haris, questions ‘cricketing sense’

Sikandar Raza’s knock in vain as South Africa beat Zimbabwe in tri-series opener

HARARE: South Africa continued their dominance over Zimbabwe after securing a five-wicket win despite a fighting half-century from Sikandar Raza in the opening match of a Twenty20 international tri-series at Harare Sports Club on Monday.

New Zealand will play its first match of the tournament when it meets South Africa at the same venue on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe were restricted to 141 for six after being sent in, with captain Sikandar Raza top-scoring with 54 not out. Sikandar Raza’s knock was laced with three fours and two sixes.

Both teams showed multiple changes following a two-match Test series in Bulawayo, which South Africa won comfortably.

Opening bowler Lungi Ngidi took a wicket and conceded only seven runs in a three-over opening spell.

Left-arm spinner George Linde took three for 10, including two wickets for four runs in the last over.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

South Africa lost three wickets in the six-over power play against aggressive left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava and seamer Trevor Gwandu.

But new cap Rubin Hermann (45) and hard-hitting player of the match Dewald Brevis, who thrashed 41 off 17 balls, put on 72 for the fourth wicket to ensure a comfortable win.

South African captain Rassie van der Dussen praised the two young batters. “There was a little bit of pressure up front,” he said. “Losing three wickets in the power play was not ideal, but their partnership was brilliant.”

Brevis hit five sixes and a four in his innings, including three successive sixes off leg-spinner Ryan Burl.

Sikandar Raza praised Ngarava and Gwandu, who took three for 35 and two for 15, respectively.

“It was the first game of the winter (in Harare) and we weren’t sure of the wicket,” said Raza of his team’s batting performance. At least we know these are going to be high-scoring games,” Sikandar Raza concluded.

READ: Ben Stokes opens up after thrilling Test win at Lord’s

Lahore Qalandars star player lodges racial abuse complaint against coach

Zimbabwean all-rounder and Lahore Qalandars’ star Sikandar Raza has filed a formal complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA), alleging racial abuse by a local coach during a Vigne Cup fixture between Old Hararians and Rainbow Cricket Club.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Old Hararians Sports Club, where Raza, representing Old Hararians, claims he was racially abused by a coach from the opposing camp as he walked off the field.

The veteran cricketer did not hold back in demanding strong action.

“I expect a full investigation,” Raza stated. “If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that stuff like this never happens again to this and future generations.”

At the time of reporting, HMCA had yet to issue an official statement regarding the complaint.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The abuse allegations came on a day when Sikandar Raza once again reminded everyone of his class with the bat. He smashed a brilliant 78 off 56 balls, helping Old Hararians pile up a staggering 402 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Rainbow Cricket Club, in response, could only manage 225 for 8 in 39 overs, falling short by 142 runs via the DLS method. The result was emphatic, but the day ended on a sour note due to the incident off the field.

The timing of this controversy is all the more jarring considering Raza is coming off a high from his recent heroics in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

He was instrumental in Lahore Qalandars’ title-winning campaign, finishing the season with 254 runs at an explosive strike rate of 169.33, including two fifties, and picking up 10 wickets at an economy of 7.75.

This was Raza’s second franchise title of the year, having earlier lifted the trophy in the 2025 edition of the ILT20, underlining his value as one of the most impactful T20 all-rounders on the circuit.

READ: Carlos Alcaraz stuns Jannik Sinner in French Open final

‘I’ve done it too’: Imad Wasim on Sikandar Raza’s last-minute arrival in PSL final

Imad Wasim, the former Pakistan all-rounder, has shared his thoughts on the arrival of Sikandar Raza just before the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

All-rounder Raza arrived just ten minutes before the toss and was rushed to the stadium.

A day earlier, he was trying to prevent an innings defeat in the Test match for Zimbabwe against England at Trent Bridge. He scored 60 off 68 balls before getting out, resulting in his team’s defeat.

Within a few hours, he got on a plane to Lahore, where his team, the Lahore Qalandars, were playing the final match of the PSL against the Quetta Gladiators.

Lahore Qalandars had two team lists ready: one with him playing and another with Shakib al Hasan in case he didn’t arrive on time.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The inclusion of Raza in the Playing XI helped Lahore Qalandars as he played a match-winning knock, scoring 22 off just seven balls. His heroics helped Qalandars in clinching third PSL title in last four seasons

Speaking on the post-match PSL review show, Imad Wasim reflected on the journey of Sikandar Raza while hailing him as a team man.

“If you’re getting paid, you’ll go. I travel a lot too. Sometimes, one match ends, and the next day you’re playing another.

I’ve traveled 24 hours as well and straight away played on the ground. So yes, money can make different things happen,” Imad said.

Imad also hailed Raza’s abilities, stating that he is a true match-winner for the past few years.

“Sikandar Raza has been a great player for a couple of years now. A great human being and a proper team man. You can call him a match-winner because of his performances in the last couple of years,” he concluded.

READ: Wasim Akram backs THIS legend as Pakistan’s red-ball batting coach

‘I’m truly humbled’: Sikandar Raza reflects on match-winning knock in PSL 10 final

LAHORE: Sikandar Raza, Lahore Qalandars all-rounder, shared his thoughts after sealing a last-over finish for his team here at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Sunday.

Raza, who arrived in Pakistan just before the match, played a match-winning knock, scoring 22 of just seven balls to seal PSL 10 title for Lahore Qalandars.

Chasing an imposing 202-run target, Lahore Qalandars hit the winning runs on the second ball of the penultimate over, losing only four wickets in the process.

Kusal Perera played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 62 off 31 balls alongside Sikandar Raza.

While speaking during the post-match celebrations, Sikandar Raza shed light on his journey towards Pakistan before the grand final.

“I had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi and flew straight to Lahore for the PSL final. This is the life of a professional cricketer, and I am truly blessed to have this life,” he said.

Sikandar Raza reflected on the physically and emotionally demanding days leading up to the final.

“[I] bowled 25 overs day before yesterday [during the one-off Test between England and Zimbabwe]. Batted for 20-odd overs yesterday,” Raza added.

He further said, “I tried to take the emotions out. I am here to do my job. God forbid, we lost the game. I know I am with my brothers.

He described the journey to the final as unbelievable and said that winning in such fashion left him speechless.

“If I told you how I got here, it is unbelievable. And to have a victory like this, I just have no words. The journey helped. I was basically blank out there and did not try to premeditate,” Raza remarked.

Reflecting on Lahore’s experience in high-pressure games, Raza noted that they had previously won a final against Multan Sultans that went to the last ball,

“We had a final two years [against Multan Sultans where Qalandars won by one run] that went to the last ball. No other team is more prepared than us, given the do-or-die games we had to face this time around to get here,” the 39-year-old recalled.

He also spoke about the injuries and concussions Lahore Qalandars faced, mentioning that despite all the drama, he would choose this final over the one two years ago.

“We had concussions; Naeem wasn’t fit. There was so much drama in this game. I pick this final over the one two years ago,” he concluded.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

It is pertinent to mention that a day earlier, all-rounder Sikandar Raza was trying to prevent an innings defeat in the Test match for Zimbabwe against England at Trent Bridge. He scored 60 off 68 balls before getting out, resulting in his team’s defeat.

Within a few hours, he got on a plane to Lahore, where his team, the Lahore Qalandars, were playing the final match of the PSL against the Quetta Gladiators.

Sikandar Raza arrived just ten minutes before the toss and rushed him to the stadium. They had two team lists ready: one with him playing and another with Shakib al Hasan in case he didn’t arrive on time.

READ: Kusal, Raza power Lahore Qalandars to dramatic last-over PSL 10 triumph

Lahore Qalandars sign THIS player as Sikandar Raza’s replacement

Lahore Qalandars have added Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz to their squad for the playoff stage of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, replacing Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.

The 27-year-old spinner has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and is expected to arrive in Lahore by Tuesday.

Lahore Qalandars are set to feature in the Eliminator on Thursday, though their opponent is yet to be finalised.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is not part of Bangladesh’s ongoing T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah or the upcoming five-match T20I series in Pakistan, sees this PSL opportunity as a chance to prove his T20 credentials and push for a national recall.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Of course, it is exciting for me to join Lahore Qalandars,” Mehidy said in a recent interview.

“It is technically the second time I have got a call-up to a franchise league.

“Nonetheless, it is a good opportunity for me to compete at a very high level. PSL is one of the top tournaments going around. I have done well in the past in the BPL, so I am confident that I can give my best.”

Mehidy Hasan Miraz also acknowledged that he wants to use this stint as a springboard back into Bangladesh’s T20I setup.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“I can get myself up to the mark in T20s, so that I am prepared for the selection opportunities ahead,” he said.

“Definitely, I want to get back into the Bangladesh [T20I] team, and this is one of the ways I can improve myself in the format.”

At Lahore Qalandars, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will reunite with senior Bangladesh teammate Shakib Al Hasan, who recently joined the franchise alongside Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa to bolster a squad depleted by the absence of David Wiese and Sam Billings.

The Qalandars had briefly brought back Sikandar Raza after the PSL resumed following a temporary halt due to border tensions between India and Pakistan, but the Zimbabwean veteran was only available for one game before linking up with his national side for a four-day Test against England.

READ: BCCI denies reports of withdrawing from Asia Cup 2025

Sikandar Raza opens up on participation in remaining PSL 10 matches

Sikandar Raza, the Lahore Qalandars all-rounder, has addressed the speculation surrounding his participation in the remaining matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, which will resume on 17 May.

A few days earlier, the unexpected political tensions between India and Pakistan led to the league’s postponement, triggering a schedule clash as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revised their calendar post-ceasefire.

Now, Sikandar Raza has provided an update regarding his participation in the PSL 10 amid national duty.

“Dear All, I’ve been tagged and mentioned regarding my availability for PSL and the Historic Test match in England, ” he wrote on his post on the social media platform X.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“National duty is the top priority for me, and once picked, I will honour and fulfil it. All the reports of me missing the test match are not true at all,” he added.

Sikandar Raza addressed speculation regarding his return to Pakistan, denying claims that he would not return to his birth country.

“Regarding PSL, all the reports of me not returning to Pakistan are also not true,” he said.

The 39-year-old later also posted on his Instagram story with the caption: “Aa raha hoon In Sha Allah” [I’m coming, God willing].”

It is pertinent to mention that Zimbabwe are set to play England in a one-off historic Test at Trent Bridge, starting 22 May. The four-day Test will be Zimbabwe’s first on English soil since 2003.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Sikandar Raza was added to the 15-man squad to face England. The all-rounder last played a Test match against Afghanistan at Bulawayo earlier this year. From 18 Tests, he has 1,286 runs at 36.74 and 38 wickets at 40.78.

The Pakistan-born cricketer had an outstanding performance in PSL 10, playing nine matches and scoring 228 runs at an impressive average of 45.60 and a strike rate of 162.85, which includes two half-centuries.

READ: New Zealand players unlikely to play in rescheduled PSL 10: reports