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ToggleZimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza feels that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most special franchise T20I league in the world. Sikandar Raza also revealed reasons why IPL stands out from other leagues in the world.
Sikandar Raza is currently playing in International League T20 (ILT20)- a franchise T20I league in UAE. Later, he will participate in the Pakistan Super League 2024 (PSL 2024). Post the tournament, he will be part of the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024).
After his incredible performance for Zimabwe, Raza earned an IPL contract in the 2023 season. In the IPL 2023 auction, Punjab Kings bought the right-handed batsman for Rs. 50 lakh. The Shikhar Dhawan-led side retained him ahead of IPL 2024 auction.
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I think IPL definitely stands out with a couple of factors: Sikandar Raza
During a chat with SportsNow, Sikandar Raza said that IPL is a really special tournament. According to the Zimbabwe stalwart, the crowd support makes the IPL better than any other league.
“I just think that the availability of all the players for one tournament makes IPL really special. In most of the matches we play the crowd comes and supports their teams. That’s something that’s really different in IPL. The only other league when it comes to crowds that comes close to IPL is PSL. So I think IPL definitely stands out with a couple of factors, yes”, the all-rounder said.
I am very grateful and blessed that Punjab picked me: Raza
Sikandar Raza also added that he doesn’t wish to play for a different franchise in IPL. He is also grateful to Punjab Kings (PBKS) for giving him a chance to play in Indian Premier League.
“No, IPL is such a big and global event that I am very grateful and blessed that Punjab [Kings] picked me. And I don’t think I can ever replay their faith. I mean, they were the only team that raised the baton on the auction day”.
“So, if they hadn’t done that, I don’t think I would have been part of IPL last year, let alone this year. So, no man. Being part of the IPL is a wonderful experience. And I am very grateful and humbled by the fact that Punjab has picked me”, the 37-year-old further said.
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Sikandar Raza played 7 games last season
In the last season, Sikandar Raza played 7 matches for Punjab Kings. He mustered 139 runs at an average of 27.80 and also scored a half-century in one game. He held a powerful strike rate of 141+. With the ball, the off-spinner hunted 3 wickets across 6 innings at 9.92 economy.
Meanwhile, Sikandar Raza is part of Dubai Capitals in the ongoing ILT20 2024. The right-handed batsman has mustered 263 runs across 10 games averaging 32.87 and is the leading run-getter for his team. The occasional off-spinner has also executed a wonderful performance with the ball. He accounts for 9 wickets across 10 games at a superb economy of just 5.80.
