Raza retained by Dubai Capitals in ILT20

CHEVRONS all rounder, Sikandar Raza has been retained by his DP World International League T20 (ILT20) side Dubai Capitals ahead of the start of the second edition of the franchise league.

The 37-year-old took part in the inaugural edition of the league earlier this year and on Monday was announced as one of the Capitals’ five retentions. The second edition of the league is scheduled to begin on 13 January 2024.

Apart from the Chevrons stalwart, the other four retentions are Joe Root (England), Rovman Powell (West Indies), Raja Akif (UAE) and Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lanka). Raza is the only Zimbabwean on the books of any ILT20 side.

Going back to take part in the league will be another good move for Raza who has enjoyed playing in various international franchise leagues which have helped him grow and develop his game.

Apart from the ILT20, some of the international franchise leagues that Raza has played in include the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) among other decorated leagues.

After the completion of the previous edition, Raza said he made some champion memories and brotherhood there despite failing to win the league. His side finished in fourth place in the six-team championship after losing a play-off eliminator match against Mumbai Indians Emirates by eight wickets.

In eight innings, Raza scored 209 runs with a best of 56 runs not out. With ball in hand, the Chevrons star took three wickets with best figures of 1/17. The DP World ILT20 takes place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board.

Three of the league’s six franchises are owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) owners – Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. The three teams are Raza’s Dubai Capitals, Mumbai Indians Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

However, the ILT20 is different to the IPL. Each playing 11 in the ILT20 can have a maximum of nine overseas players with at least two UAE players, and two Associate overseas players in the squad, not in the playing 11.

The previous edition was won by the Gulf Giants who recorded a seven wicket victory over Desert Vipers. – @brandon_malvin