Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE captain Sikandar Raza finally received his gift of a car from President Mnangagwa yesterday, a gesture that underscored both personal recognition and the state’s growing commitment to supporting cricket.
The gift had been announced last year in honour of Raza’s exceptional achievements, but due to international commitments, the Chevrons skipper had been unable to collect it. That changed yesterday when the President personally handed over the vehicle, turning a symbolic promise into a tangible reward.
Raza described the moment as deeply meaningful, not only for himself but for the broader sporting fraternity in Zimbabwe.
“I want to thank His Excellency for sharing his valuable time and honouring me with the gift. The highest office recognising being the World Number 1 is a testament of the support to me and to cricket. This kind gesture will encourage all athletes to excel in their respective sports and, in sha Allah, we will have more Number 1s in different sports and raise the Zimbabwe flag high,” Raza said.
The recognition comes at an opportune moment. Raza has been at the heart of Zimbabwe’s resurgence in T20 cricket and was the inspirational leader as the Chevrons secured qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His performances with both bat and ball have helped revive confidence in a side that missed out on the 2024 edition after falling short in the Africa Qualifier in 2023.
Zimbabwe booked their place this time through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, progressing alongside Namibia. It was a significant milestone in the team’s comeback and strengthened the spotlight on Raza’s contributions at home.
The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, featuring 20 teams. A busy tournament calendar will see three matches played each day, with warm up fixtures lined up from February 2 to February 6. One of the early changes to the competition has already made headlines, with Scotland replacing Bangladesh in Group C following Bangladesh’s withdrawal over travel and security concerns.
Zimbabwe have been placed in Group B, where they will face Australia, Ireland, Oman and Sri Lanka.
Their preparations have been bolstered by the addition of former West Indies fast bowling legend Courtney Walsh to the technical staff. Walsh, who brings vast experience in subcontinental conditions, has already begun working with the squad as they ramp up their World Cup readiness.
