Sikandar Raza: Life History and Career Timeline
Real Name: Sikandar Raza Butt
Date of Birth: April 24, 1986
Birth Place: Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan
Residence: Zimbabwe
Profession: Professional Cricketer (All-rounder)
Nationality: Zimbabwean
Religion: Islam
Partner: Information about his partner is private and not widely publicized.
Father: Information not widely available.
Mother: Information not widely available.
Horoscope: Taurus
Age: 37 years (as of 2023)
Body Measurements: Not widely publicized.
Bra Size, Hip Size: Not applicable.
Weight: Approximately 75 kg (165 lbs)
Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Early Life and Family Background
- Childhood: Sikandar Raza was born in Sialkot, Pakistan, and spent his formative years there. Growing up in a middle-class family, his early life revolved around academics, as his parents valued education highly.
- Aspiration: Initially, Sikandar aspired to join the Pakistan Air Force. He enrolled in the Pakistan Air Force Academy, where he trained for some time, but his dreams were cut short when he failed to clear a mandatory eyesight test.
- Migration: In search of better opportunities, Sikandar and his family migrated to Zimbabwe in the early 2000s. This move would later shape his cricketing career.
Cricketing Career
Introduction to Cricket
- Despite being passionate about cricket, Sikandar Raza didn’t pursue the sport seriously during his early years. It wasn’t until his mid-20s that he began to consider cricket as a viable career option.
- He started playing domestic cricket in Zimbabwe, where his performances quickly caught the attention of selectors.
Domestic Success
- Sikandar Raza made his debut in Zimbabwean domestic cricket, showcasing his skills as a versatile all-rounder.
- His consistent performances in domestic leagues earned him a spot in the national team.
International Debut
- ODI Debut: May 3, 2013, against Bangladesh
- T20I Debut: May 11, 2013, against Bangladesh
- Test Debut: September 3, 2013, against Pakistan
Rise to Stardom
- Raza became known for his aggressive batting, effective off-spin bowling, and ability to perform under pressure.
- Some of his notable performances include match-winning knocks and crucial wickets in both Test and limited-overs cricket.
- He has played pivotal roles in Zimbabwe’s victories against top teams, including a famous win over Pakistan in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.
T20 Leagues
- Raza has also participated in T20 leagues worldwide, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Indian Premier League (IPL).
- His performances in these leagues have enhanced his reputation as a reliable all-rounder.
Ups and Downs
- Challenges:
- Raza faced significant challenges early in his career, including adapting to Zimbabwe’s cricketing culture and dealing with the team’s financial struggles.
- Zimbabwean cricket faced numerous crises, including non-payment of salaries and lack of international opportunities, which tested his resilience.
- Comebacks:
- Despite these challenges, Raza continued to perform consistently. His adaptability and commitment made him a mainstay in Zimbabwe’s lineup.
Personal Life and Values
- Sikandar Raza is known for his humility and work ethic. Despite his success, he remains grounded and credits his achievements to hard work and family support.
- He is a devout Muslim and maintains his faith as a guiding principle in his life.
Achievements
- Raza has several Man-of-the-Match awards to his name for his contributions with both bat and ball.
- He was instrumental in Zimbabwe qualifying for the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.
- His inspiring performances have made him a fan favorite and a key player for Zimbabwe on the international stage.