Raza delighted with BPL role

DHAKA. - Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza expressed his delight after joining Rangpur Riders for the 2023 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

The veteran is among the five foreign cricketers signed by the Riders for the upcoming edition of the T20 tournament.

The other players are Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Pathum Nissanka and Shoaib Malik.

The Riders have also roped in Bangladesh national wicketkeeper, Nurul Hasan Sohan.

The official Facebook page of the Rangpur Riders uploaded a video where Raza showed his joy after being picked by the Riders.

“Hi guys, Sikandar Raza here. I’m incredibly humbled and delighted to announce that I am part of the Bangladesh Premier League 2023 season.

“I cannot wait to join the Rangpur Riders family guys. Can’t wait to see you. Can’t wait to join you.

“It’s going to be really exciting. See you soon. And that’s Charlie by the way,” Raza was quoted as saying in the video.

Charlie is his pet dog.

The Pakistan-born Raza has prior experience of taking part in the BPL, having played for the Khulna Tigers and Chittagong Vikings.

Raza was in brilliant form in the T20 World

Cup 2022, although Zimbabwe failed to advance to the semis of the tournament.

In eight matches, he scored 219 runs and picked up 10 wickets.

Moreover, he won the Player of the Match award as many as three times.

One of his POTM awards came against Babar Azam’s Pakistan, where Zimbabwe won by one run. Raza picked up three wickets for 25 runs in that game.

Raza also broke the former Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s record of most T20I POTM awards in a calendar year.