AT 39, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza insists retirement can wait. His focus is locked on one goal, leading the Chevrons back to the ICC T20 World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka.
For Raza, who has carried the team for over a decade, the upcoming qualifiers could mark his last dance in the shortest format. But he is not the only senior figure facing that reality.
Brendan Taylor, his age-mate who made a sensational comeback this year, could also be taking his final bow, while Sean Williams remains in the same conversation.
“When are we hanging our boots and things like that, that’s going to stay between us three (Raza, Taylor and Williams),” Raza said with a smile.
“All I would say is that this country and this cricketing nation deserves some happiness and that onus falls upon us. We have to qualify for the World Cup next year, so we are just making sure of that.”
Taylor’s brief return and Williams’ presence, even though he later withdrew for personal reasons, gave the camp a valuable lift.
“These are players that have seen it all, and you can see the value that they have given to the team. Their presence has been felt by the young players,” Raza explained.
With the Zimbabwe Sables having already secured a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Raza feels the Chevrons must follow that example.
“Our rugby boys have already qualified for the World Cup this year, and hopefully we have two or three more sporting departments that can be in those global tournaments to give happiness to our country,” he said.
Zimbabwe are now one step away from ending their drought, having missed the last two editions of the T20 showpiece. They face Kenya in a semi-final, and victory will automatically seal their ticket.
“Qualifying will certainly be really special and fun,” Raza said. “It will be really special to celebrate with our fans. Inshallah, we want to see those smiles and give them the happiness they deserve. To celebrate it with them, I think it will just be a cherry on top.” Zimpapapers Sports
