Last Updated on 12 months by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Speaking to SportsNow, Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza shared his thoughts on which league – IPL or PSL – is better
Although Zimbabwe missed out on qualification to the 2024 T20 World Cup, all-rounder Sikandar Raza is looking forward to a big year of T20 cricket. Currently playing for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 League, Raza is excited for the leagues coming up, particularly the IPL.
In an exclusive interview with SportsNow, Raza said he is focused on preparing for IPL 2024 where he will line up for the Punjab Kings once again. Last year, he struck 139 runs at an average of 27.80 and strike rate of 141.83, and took three wickets.
“There is no better preparation than to be playing cricket,” Raza said. “So, ILT20, of course, is a high-standard league. I am going to play PSL from here. I am looking forward to that PSL.
“So, you know, my preparation leading to IPL will be playing ILT20 and PSL and that. I mean, you cannot substitute game time. I think that should be the best preparation one can have before an IPL.”
IPL is by far the best league – Sikandar Raza
When speaking about what makes the IPL so special, Raza said player availability is the biggest factor. Also, the crowd and atmosphere contributes to memorable matches.
“I just think that the availability of all the players for one tournament makes IPL really special,” said Raza. “In most of the matches we play, the crowd comes and supports their teams.
“That’s something that’s really different in IPL,” he continued. “The only other league when it comes to crowd that comes close is PSL. So, I think IPL definitely stands out with a couple of factors, yes.
“IPL is by far the best league when it comes to PSL also. Like, it is much better than PSL. That’s what I’m trying to say. Yeah, I’m not a big fan of comparisons, but yes, it is. I think IPL is the biggest league on the planet.”
Grateful for Punjab Kings & won’t turn my back on Zimbabwe – Raza
Raza also spoke about his appreciation for the Punjab Kings. They purchased the all-rounder at the 2023 auction and have retained him ahead of the 2024 season. Now, the talented cricketer is seeking to repay the faith.
“I am very grateful and blessed that Punjab picked me,” said Raza. “And I don’t think I can ever repay 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.”
“I think IPL is the biggest league on the planet.”
Sikandar Raza
In welcome news for Zimbabwe fans, Raza said he is still committed to the national team. As mentioned, the team won’t be participating in the upcoming World Cup, but Sikandar hopes Zimbabwe can continue moving forward.
“As long as there is strength and there is focus and there is fitness that I have, I will remain committed to Zimbabwe,” he said. “I am happy to miss out on franchise tournaments because I have international commitments. But I will not turn my back on Zimbabwe now.
“Overall, the quality and standard of cricket we [Zimbabwe] are trying to play now suddenly is getting better. And it’s a work in progress. But, I can assure you that myself and the Zimbabwe cricket have got together, and we have drawn a pathway that will put Zimbabwe on the map pretty quickly.”