If one were to look at some of the most consistent cricketers who have represented Zimbabwe over
the last one and a half decade, a name that immediately springs to mind is that of their current T20 captain, Sikandar Raza Butt.
The Pakistani born Zimbabwean legend has been an all-rounder par excellence scoring a mountain of
runs with the bat and being equally adept with the ball as a right arm off-break and leg-break bowler.
The records are for all to see having scored north of 6,000 runs in the limited overs formats for the
Chevrons with also mounting almost 200 cherries. Such enviable statistics have made him a hot property in the franchise leagues around the world, which truth be told doesn’t come calling all that often for his fellow countrymen in this southern African nation.
One has seen Sikandar Raza ply his trade across the world, playing in various franchise tournaments the likes of ILT20, Major League Cricket, PSL, The Hundred, CPL and the father of all franchise leagues, the IPL.
Certainly, a feat worth every praise, with his latest cherry being travelling down south to partake in
the hottest franchise tournament currently in world cricket (keeping the IPL aside as that’s soared
beyond our galaxy, let alone the planet), the SA20 representing the Paarl Royals.
Sikandar Raza maiden representation in the SA20, having featured in practically all other franchise
leagues across planet earth.
His pursuits in this South African tournament have also been one of fortitude galore, as he recently picked up 7 wickets against MI CapeTown (3 for 27 and 4 for 13, the latter being the joint best in this ongoing season) in two matches earning David Miller’s side victories on both occasions in this Western Province Derby. This after he couldn’t participate in the initial few games owing to the death of his younger brother.
A loss that is as devastating as any if one were to reckon.
Having said this, to see Sikandar channel his grief into match-defining performances, guiding his side
to back-to-back victories, is profoundly significant—and it leads directly to the central question this
piece seeks to explore. With Sikandar Raza holding his own in franchise leagues amid the latest hurrah being the SA20, can this be the turning point for his compatriots to follow suit?
The answer should be an affirmative Yes.
Why because as one has seen Raza’s fellow countrymen, someone like Blessing Muzarabani also participates in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
However, unfortunately it’s only limited to him in bigger franchise leagues.
The Chevrons are certainly not devoid of talent when it comes to the shortest format with their
latest sensation, Brian Bennett leading the charge having already scored almost 1600 runs in T20Is at a healthy strike rate of 145 with a ton to his name.
To give him company are also seasoned professionals like Richard Ngarava (the ODI and Test Captain), Ryan Burl and Brad Evans but unfortunately owners across the bigger franchise leagues haven’t really taken note of them.
One reckons, this must change and here is where Sikandar Raza can play a massive role with the start being the SA20.
Having been absorbed by The Paarl Royals which is also affiliated to the IPL as the Rajasthan Franchise, Sikandar Raza can perhaps expose the owners to the talent his teammates have, the likes of Ryan Burl, Brian Bennett, Richard Ngarava and Blessings Muzarabani and that could give them a look in come the next edition of the SA20.
After all, as the T20 captain of the national side, he has a responsibility to give his players an exposure to various leagues around the world, so that they end up becoming more well-rounded performers.
Also, what could play a massive role going forward for Zimbabwe is their participation in the T20 World Cup that’s scheduled next month in India and Sri Lanka having missed this tournament the last two times amid falling short in the qualification rounds.
Should these players seize the moment for the Chevrons at this global spectacle, their talent will not go unnoticed. Furthermore, with the IPL owners also at the helm of SA20 franchises, the pathway to a long-awaited breakthrough could suddenly feel tangible.
Won’t that be exciting?
Moreover, beyond exposure to elite leagues, there is a deeper significance—those contracts carry life-
changing financial security, a powerful prospect in a country where economic hardship remains an everyday reality. One can only hope going forward, Zimbabwean players do capitalise as the opportunity presents as when the Chevrons are strong amid playing franchise leagues across the world, the development of the game at home can only continue to soar.