Sikandar Raza believes franchise cricket will do wonders for Zimbabwean cricketers when it comes to developing their skill set.
The inaugural edition of the Zim Afro T10 is just a week away, with the season opener of the tournament scheduled for July 20. A total of five teams will compete for the ultimate glory, which marks franchise cricket’s entry into Zimbabwe Cricket. In the official press release, Zimbabwean star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who will represent the Bulawayo Braves, said, “The Zim Afro T10 will help the players in Zimbabwe.” Raza explained that franchise cricket has helped him improve as a cricketer, which has been reflected in his performances for the Zimbabwean team.
“Zim Afro T10 would always be closer to my heart because this is the first time any franchise tournament is coming to Zimbabwe. What I’m really excited about is that this tournament will help my fellow countrymen to improve their skill sets which will ultimately benefit our national team,” Raza said during a virtual press conference.
Gear up for ? days of nonstop action in #CricketsFastestFormat coming to you from Harare, Zimbabwe! ⚡
The #ZimAfroT10 dates are here, so mark your calendars now! ? #T10League pic.twitter.com/v1ddZiPuFF — ZimAfroT10 (@ZimAfroT10) July 10, 2023
Raza further opened up about how franchise cricket, especially T10, has helped him on a personal level. The Bulawayo Braves star said, “Cricket leagues have immensely helped me in developing my game, my skills, analysing the situation. Moreover, T10 helps me make a decision quicker and come up with a better solution to execute better. Hence, it’s safe to say that franchise cricket has enhanced my overall abilities as a cricketer courtesy of which I have been able to perform for the national team as well.”
The T10 is the fastest format in the game, and the Zim Afro T10, which has some of the most impactful players in the mix, promises some high-octane action during the Zimbabwean winter. Sikandar Raza said, “We can expect fast-paced games, a lot of wickets, a lot of runs, a lot of great catches in the tournament. It’s a platform where everybody can showcase their skills, whether you have a ball in hand or bat in hand or even if you’re just on the ground. It is such a fast-paced game that you would see that players will have to develop their skills very quickly.”
Inside Sport
