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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
GLOBE-TROTTING Zimbabwe international Sikandar Raza is excited to be part of history after he was signed by Seattle Ocars for the inaugural Major League Cricket competition set for the USA in under two months.
The seasoned all-rounder, who is currently playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League for the Punjab Kings, was announced as the latest overseas player by the club on Monday.
He is set to join some international stars at the club, that include Sri Lankan limited overs Captain Dasun Shanaka, South African wicketkeeper/batsman Quinton de Kock, pacer Wayne Parnell and hard-hitting Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh for the upcoming season.
Raza immediately took to his Social media platforms to announce his excitement.
“I have massive news to share with all of you and the news is that I have signed with Seattle Ocars for the up-coming and inaugural competition which is happening in America, called the Major League Cricket.
“I cannot wait to join my team, I cannot wait to join my teammates and I can’t wait to be part of this tournament,” said Raza.
The 37-year-all-rounder has had a busy schedule, playing franchise cricket almost non-stop since the second half of 2022.
Raza has participated in T20 competitions in various countries in the last few months. He has played in Bangladesh, UAE, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal and is set to continue his busy season by joining the Seattle Ocars in this newly formed competition.
The MLC is scheduled to take place from July 13 to 30 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas, near Dallas.
CrickWick reported that “This new cricket league aims to attract top players from around the world, tapping into the immense fan base the sport has in the United States. With over two billion followers, cricket ranks as the second most-watched sport globally.”
The Seattle Orcas have close ties with one of the top T20 cricket franchises globally, the Delhi Capitals of India.
Raza is eyeing more achievements with the club. He tasted success two months ago after winning the Pakistan Super League with Lahore Qalandars.
The talented all-rounder added a new chapter to his career when he became only the third Zimbabwean cricketer to feature in the cash-rich IPL, after Tatenda Taibu and Ray Price.
Raza is expected home next week, at the conclusion of the 203 IPL season, to join the Zimbabwe national team as they prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier which they host next month.
Raza will head for the USA for the MLC soon after the tournament.
“Fireworks Pending . . . Zimbabwe’s explosive all-round talisman is psyched to set #MLC2023 alight. Help us in welcoming @SRazaB24 to the Seattle Orcas,” Ocars tweeted.
The star-studded league will commence on 13 July where the Ocars and the other five teams — MI New York, Washing-ton Freedom, Los Angeles Knight Riders, Texas Super Kings, San Francisco Unicorns – will battle it out over a span of 18 days in 19 matches. The final will be contested on 30th July in Texas.
Online Reporter