Sikandar Raza | Captain of Zimbabwe – Qualifying for the Super Eights was undoubtedly a significant milestone. Securing a spot in the next World Cup without going through qualifiers is a tremendous accomplishment. Despite our losses in the Super 8s, I assure you, we have learned valuable lessons. We improved after our first match, and then again after the second. These are the moments that make me proud as a captain; I see growth and learning within my team. I couldn’t have asked for more, and I am immensely proud of the boys. As a leader, I feel a deep sense of pride in this group because I genuinely believe we progressed with each game. Looking ahead to the next ICC event, I hope we will be even stronger. (if he and the senior players would still be a part of this set-up) Absolutely, it may seem distant for some of us, but we recognize our current position and how we can advance. The culture we’ve established in the team is crucial; whether we are present or not, this team should operate smoothly. If Allah permits, we hope all senior players remain fit and healthy, and we would love to contribute as well. The relationships we’ve fostered with fans, both at home and abroad, indicate that we are on the right track, and most importantly, we have instilled hope in our supporters back home. (on the crowd support) The Chevrons have achieved something unprecedented. I believe this gives parents the encouragement to let their children pursue cricket as a primary sport, which will enhance our player pool and elevate our standards. Currently, Zimbabwe needs to focus on expanding its talent base. However, I feel that what we’ve accomplished will lead to automatic improvements. (on the roadmap to the future) I can guarantee that the Zimbabwe management, including the MD and chairman, has been actively working behind the scenes. We have three home tours and one away tour scheduled for 2026, with the potential for two additional tours and three A-series. The management has been diligently planning without revealing too much; you will see more of Zimbabwe in the future. Right now, we need to take a moment to breathe, regroup, and strategize for our 2027 World Cup plans. I assure you, the management is hard at work, and you can expect to see Zimbabwe more frequently. Notably, Zimbabwe was at 28/2 when Raza came to bat.
