IPL 2023: Sikandar Raza IPL 2023: Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza expressed his joy at being acquired by Punjab Kings for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 during the mini-auction at Kochi. He said that having Punjabi roots and playing for the Punjab franchise is a “great match” and that playing in the league was on his radar before retiring from cricket. Follow Indian Premier League 2023 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
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IPL 2023: ‘Punjabi Munda’ in Punjab Kings, Sikandar Raza hails ‘GREAT MATCH’ after becoming fourth Zimbabwe player to be signed by an IPL team – Follow IPL 2023 LIVE updates
Pakistan Super League ✅
Caribbean Premier League ✅
Bangladesh Premier League ✅
Lanka Premier League ✅
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 ✅#IPLAuction | #IPL2023— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 24, 2022
The Punjab-born all-rounder from Zimbabwe was extremely excited about the opportunity. “It was part of my thinking that before I hang my boots up, it would be nice to have the IPL on my CV,” Raza told ESPNcricinfo. “Alhamdulillah (thank God) it has happened. I am really happy, humble and excited at the same time. I would have [been fine with] any franchise but to have a Punjabi munda in Punjab, it is a great match.”
Raza was following the IPL auction in Kathmandu when the internet connection failed just as his name was spoken. His turn had already passed by the time he went online once more. “I was in training today. I was calm. Sometimes I was nervous. I went through all the emotions before the auction.
“We went back to the hotel. Then there was an anti-corruption meeting [while the auction was on]. When it was my turn at the IPL auction, I was moving from one room to another, and the internet got disconnected.
“While it was connecting back again, I started getting a lot of messages from my friends, congratulating me. I said, ‘what, I can’t see it. Are you guys playing a prank?’ They said check the auction. I said I am checking but I haven’t even been up there.
“What happened was, by the time I reconnected, I had gone already. So basically I didn’t see the bid. Maybe that was a good thing actually. I reckon it’s a good thing. If I was watching, I would have shouted in the meeting!”
Raza has had a fantastic year, helping Zimbabwe defeat Bangladesh in ODI and T20I series, scoring a century against India, and securing a first-ever victory against Australia in Australia. The Men’s T20 World Cup followed, where they upset Pakistan in thrilling fashion. Most of these significant events involved Raza, both with the bat and the ball.
Message 🎥 from a true Punjabi 🦁! @SRazaB24, we’re lucky to have you too! 🤗 #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #TATAIPLAuction #SikandarRaza pic.twitter.com/cTQpJkd9Dh
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 23, 2022
“It has been incredible. It has been life and career changing. Every time I have won a Player-of-the-Match trophy, I kiss my mum’s hand and give her the trophy. The best part of these few months is that I have handed her over a lot of trophies. I think the trophy cabinet is full now. To sum it up, I would say that making my parents proud has been the highlight.”
IPL 2023: ‘Punjabi Munda’ in Punjab Kings, Sikandar Raza hails ‘GREAT MATCH’ after becoming fourth Zimbabwe player to be signed by an IPL team – Follow IPL 2023 LIVE updates
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