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ZC Convener of selectors, Givemore Makoni, yesterday said Raza was now eligible to play for Zimbabwe after regularising his documents.
Previously, the talented top-order batsman, who emigrated from Pakistan in 2002 as a 15-year-old, could not make it into the team as he did not hold a Zimbabwean passport.
Raza played his first games for Northerns at the tail end of the 2006-07 season and has been enjoying his game at Southern Rocks and recently Mashonaland Eagles in the domestic competitions.
“Raza now has a Zimbabwean passport and is eligible to play if selected. I am sure all the paperwork was completed some time last week and he now has Zimbabwean citizenship,” said Makoni.
Zimbabwe began their preparations yesterday under caretaker coach Steve Mangongo.
ZC are set to announce a new coach to replace Alan Butcher who left at the end of the month following the expiry of his contract.
They will host Bangladesh in two Tests beginning on April 17 in Harare before going to Bulawayo for three ODIs and two T20s at Queens Sports Club.
The team is looking to pick up the pieces following their disappointing outing in West Indies where they lost every game they played during the month-long trip that included two Tests, three ODIs and two T20s.
Zimbabwe batsmen failed to rise in the West Indies and the selectors have recalled former captain Elton Chigumbura, Charles Coventry and Stuart Matsikenyeri.
They have also widened their options by including promising young players like Kevin Kasuza, Richmond Mutumbami, Nathan Waller and Tuskers rookie Brian Chari.
The players undertook a fitness exercise yesterday and Makoni said they will play two practice games before the squad is trimmed down to 15, a week before the first game.
“No one is guaranteed a place in the team and that is why we have called up a blotted squad. We need competition in order to have a strong team. Players will have to justify their selection,” said Makoni.
Zim provisional squad
Brendan Taylor, Tino Mawoyo, Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza, Regis Chakabva, Malcolm Waller, Kyle Jarvis, Keegan Meth, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Raymond Price, Graeme Cremer, Chamu Chibhabha, Tino Mutombodzi, Natsai M’shangwe, Sikandar Raza, Shingi Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Charles Coventry, Brian Chari, Kevin Kasuza, Richard Muzhange, Nathan Waller, Richmond Mutumbami, Edward Rainsford, Tawanda Mupariwa.
Online Reporter