tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
THERE was a Zimbabwean flair in the India Premier League (IPL) auction on Friday, as Punjab Kings snapped up the duo of Chevrons’ all-rounder, Sikandar Raza and Zimbabwe-born England cricketer, Sam Curran.
Also featured in the auction was the duo of Chevrons’ bowler, Blessing Muzarabani, and Tom Curran, who unfortunately went unsold.
“It’s about having the right balance, so far so good and fingers crossed,” Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia was quoted as saying following the purchase of Curran and Raza.
“It’s lovely to have Sam back. We had him a few years ago, and then Chennai had him.
“These top-up auctions are always dynamic. Sam is world-class. He is 24-years-old and has already played over 140 matches so far.
“And happy to have Raza with us. It’s good to have a Zimbabwean in the IPL,” he said.
Raza is set to make his IPL debut at next year’s competition, slated for March 26 to May 28, and it comes off the back of a solid year for the Zimbabwe all-rounder.
The 36-year-old scored 219 runs in 8 matches during Zimbabwe’s fairytale run to the Super 12 of the 2022 T20 World Cup and took 10 wickets.
Explosive with both bat and ball, Raza’s specialty in the latter is that he has got a lot of variations that bamboozle the opponent.
He can provide lusty blows at the back end of innings for the Punjab Kings, and well as provide firepower with the bat in the middle and top order.
Online Reporter