‘By the time I reconnected,…’ – Sikandar Raza on being picked in the Indian T20 League 2023 mini-auctions

Zimbabwe star all-rounder Sikandar Raza has proved himself as a T20 warrior, travelling the world and playing in T20 leagues. Being in the hill state had its drawbacks, though, since sporadic internet access prevented him from knowing how many teams were pursuing him.

If there was a battle for his services, he didn’t learn about the situation until his pals praised him via text. Raza was in the anti-corruption meeting that was held for the players in Nepal’s domestic T20 competition when he was picked by the Punjab team in the Indian T20 League 2023 mini-auction.

“What happened was, by the time I reconnected, I had gone already. So basically I didn’t see the bid. Maybe that was a good thing actually. I reckon it’s a good thing. If I was watching, I would have shouted in the meeting!” Raza told ESPN Cricinfo.

I am really happy, humble and excited at the same time: Sikandar Raza

Raza has competed in national leagues all across the world. He has been playing in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), Caribbean Premier League, and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

His bucket list was down to the Indian T20 League; thanks to the Punjab franchise, he can finally cross that off. He was sold to Punjab on Friday for INR 50 lakh; it should be noted that he has family ties to the region.

“It was part of my thinking that before I hang my boots up, it would be nice to have the Indian T20 League on my CV. Alhamdulillah (thank God) it has happened. I am really happy, humble and excited at the same time. I would have [been fine with] any franchise but to have a Punjabi Munda in Punjab, it is a great match.”

The base price was where the Punjab franchise started the bidding, and no other team decided to sign the player. Sam Curran, an all-rounder, was also signed by Kings in the auction for the highest price in Indian T20 League auction history of Rs. 18.25 crore.