Australian batting maestro David Warner has set his sights on amassing runs at the Harare Sports Club in the upcoming Zim Afro T10 tournament. However, Zimbabwean captain Sikandar Raza hopes that a local player will outshine the international stars.
Raza, who was impressed by the quality of cricket in the inaugural edition, believes that the second season will be even more exciting with the addition of international players like Warner, Dawid Malan, James Neesham, and Colin Munro.
“We have attracted a lot more international cricketers, with the likes of David Warner, one of the main signings of the season this year,” said Raza. “This is going to be a very exciting tournament for sure.”
However, Raza’s primary goal is for a Zimbabwean player to excel in the tournament. “I’m really hoping and praying that it’s a Zimbabwean who scores the most number of runs, takes the most number of catches, and takes the most number of wickets,” he said. “The growth for Zimbabwean cricket in this tournament is very crucial.”
While Warner is a major signing, pacer Blessing Muzarabani is the only Zimbabwean to be named a Global Icon for the NYS Lagos. Raza expressed his pride in Muzarabani’s achievement.
“Certainly, very happy with that,” said Raza. “Blessing has done really well over the past year and he has suddenly earned that right to be a Global Icon as well. As long as there is Zimbabwean representation, it makes me happy.”
Raza, who was a standout performer in the inaugural edition, is determined to contribute to his team’s success. “The mentality is the same: to win the trophy,” he said. “Cricket is a team game, but filled with individual brilliance, and if I can contribute for the success of the team, it will go a long way.”
Raza also encouraged young Zimbabwean players to learn from the international stars. “Enjoy as much as you can, and learn and grow as much as you can,” he said. “Try and spend as much time as you can with the overseas players that are here, because they only here for 9-10 days. Try and learn as much as you can and you’ll see that you can take this learning in your personal growth and that will help you to become a better cricketer.”
Raza believes that the T10 format has the potential to grow the sport and even make it an Olympic event. “T10 is a format that can definitely take cricket to the Olympic Games,” he said.
