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Raza chooses Zimbabwe over Pakistan
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Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza has confirmed he will join Zimbabwe's squad for the upcoming historic Test match against England at Trent Bridge, scheduled to start on 22 May, even as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) prepares to resume tomorrow following a security-enforced suspension.
Raza has been in excellent form for the Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2025, amassing 228 runs at an average of 45.60 and a strike rate of 163, alongside taking eight wickets at an impressive average of 15.10 and an economy rate of 7.10. He currently leads the Qalandars' charts for both batting and bowling, cementing his status as the franchise's most valuable player this season.
The PSL, which had been paused indefinitely due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, is set to resume with the Qalandars positioned fourth on the table. They have one remaining league fixture against Peshawar Zalmi on 18 May in Rawalpindi. If the Qalandars advance to the final, Raza would be required to remain in Pakistan until 25 May, overlapping with Zimbabwe's Test match against England.
Addressing the potential conflict, Raza took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his commitments:
"I've been tagged and mentioned regarding my availability for PSL and the historic Test match in England. 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. Regarding PSL, all the reports of me not returning to Pakistan are also not true," he wrote.
Raza last featured in a Test earlier this year against Afghanistan in Bulawayo. Across 18 Tests, he has scored 1,286 runs at an average of 36.74 and taken 38 wickets at an average of 40.78.
Zimbabwe's Test against England marks their first meeting since 2004 and is widely regarded as a landmark occasion for the national team. Raza's confirmation to participate is a significant boost to Zimbabwe's hopes for the historic encounter.
Raza has been in excellent form for the Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2025, amassing 228 runs at an average of 45.60 and a strike rate of 163, alongside taking eight wickets at an impressive average of 15.10 and an economy rate of 7.10. He currently leads the Qalandars' charts for both batting and bowling, cementing his status as the franchise's most valuable player this season.
The PSL, which had been paused indefinitely due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, is set to resume with the Qalandars positioned fourth on the table. They have one remaining league fixture against Peshawar Zalmi on 18 May in Rawalpindi. If the Qalandars advance to the final, Raza would be required to remain in Pakistan until 25 May, overlapping with Zimbabwe's Test match against England.
Addressing the potential conflict, Raza took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his commitments:
"I've been tagged and mentioned regarding my availability for PSL and the historic Test match in England. 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. Regarding PSL, all the reports of me not returning to Pakistan are also not true," he wrote.
Raza last featured in a Test earlier this year against Afghanistan in Bulawayo. Across 18 Tests, he has scored 1,286 runs at an average of 36.74 and taken 38 wickets at an average of 40.78.
Zimbabwe's Test against England marks their first meeting since 2004 and is widely regarded as a landmark occasion for the national team. Raza's confirmation to participate is a significant boost to Zimbabwe's hopes for the historic encounter.
Source - the herald
