Sikandar Raza is a prominent Zimbabwean all-rounder and T20I captain who made history with Zimbabwe’s first T20I century. His career spans all formats with consistent performances and leadership.
Sikandar Raza stands out as a distinguished international cricketer representing Zimbabwe. Originally from Pakistan, he relocated to Zimbabwe where he launched his professional cricket journey. Renowned as a skilled all-rounder, Raza bats right-handed and bowls off-spin, establishing himself as a vital member of the Zimbabwean squad due to his steady performances. Currently, he holds the leadership role of captain for Zimbabwe’s T20 International team. Under his guidance, the team has demonstrated marked progress. Notably, Raza created a landmark moment by achieving Zimbabwe’s first-ever T20I century, a pivotal milestone in his career. As of 2025, Sikandar Raza is 39 years old and attended the Pakistan Air Force Public School in Lower Topa with aspirations to become a pilot. Unfortunately, he was unable to join the Air Force after failing a vision test. In 2002, Raza relocated to Zimbabwe alongside his family. Coming from a Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri Muslim background, Sikandar Raza follows Islam. Though born in Pakistan, his family later settled in Zimbabwe. Hailing from a devout Muslim family, he embraces his faith wholeheartedly. His family played a crucial role in his accomplishments. Born on April 24, 1986, in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan, Raza later pursued software engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. During his time there, he participated in semi-professional cricket and discovered his potential as a cricketer. Sikandar Raza’s father, Tasadaq Hussain Raza, runs a motor parts business. Despite not reaching the highest level themselves, his father and uncles were cricketers in Pakistan and strongly supported Raza’s decision to move to Zimbabwe and pursue cricket. Sikandar Raza is easily identified by the jersey number 24, which he wears across all formats including ODIs, T20Is, and Test cricket. Fans and spectators recognize him instantly by this number, which has become synonymous with his presence and dependability in the Zimbabwean team. Sikandar Raza is married to Laila Khan. He maintains a low public profile regarding his personal life, with minimal media exposure or shared images of his spouse on social platforms. This approach reflects his preference for privacy in personal matters while staying committed to his cricket career. His earnings derive from match fees, league contracts, and sponsorship agreements, all of which substantially contribute to his overall net worth. Sikandar Raza’s net worth is estimated at approximately ₹37 crore as of the latest assessment. Sikandar Raza’s cricket journey with Zimbabwe began in 2013. He debuted in ODIs on May 3, 2013, against Bangladesh, followed by his T20I debut on May 11, 2013, also against Bangladesh. Later that year, on September 3, 2013, he played his first Test match against Pakistan. Since then, he has been a cornerstone player for Zimbabwe across all formats. Recently, he became Zimbabwe’s most-capped player in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. In Test cricket, Sikandar Raza has played 22 matches, accumulating 1,434 runs at an average of 34.14. His highest score is 127, including one century and 11 half-centuries. In ODIs, he has featured in 153 games, scoring 4,476 runs at an average of 36.99, with seven centuries and 24 half-centuries, demonstrating his ability to score frequently. Turning to T20 Internationals, he has played 127 matches, compiling 2,883 runs at an average of 25.74, which includes one century and 16 half-centuries. Raza has competed in several T20 leagues worldwide. He has amassed 687 runs in the ILT20 and 591 in the PSL. He has also participated in leagues such as the IPL, CPL, BPL, and others, maintaining steady performances. His best average came in the Vitality Blast, where he averaged 41.20 across eight matches. Sikandar Raza has reached multiple career milestones. In 2017, he was instrumental in Zimbabwe’s historic series victory over Sri Lanka. In 2018, he received the Player of the Tournament award in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. His strong form continued in 2022, earning him the Player of the Series title in the ODI series against Bangladesh. He also became the first Zimbabwean to score three ODI centuries while chasing targets. In 2023, he set a new record for Zimbabwe’s fastest ODI century, smashing 102 off 54 balls. In 2024, he made history with a T20I century, scoring an unbeaten 133 against Gambia. Sikandar Raza’s IPL salary stands at ₹50 lakhs, as he was acquired by Punjab Kings in the 2023 IPL season. As of 2025, Sikandar Raza’s net worth is estimated around $5 million USD. Currently, Sikandar Raza has played for Punjab Kings in the IPL during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He is affectionately referred to as “Raza” by fans and teammates. He is married, and his wife’s name is Laila Khan. All images included are used for editorial purposes only and are licensed solely through Getty/Source.