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Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has made a bold statement about his international career. The 40-year-old Sikandar Raza said that he would love to retire from the game after playing in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 at home. The all-rounder considers this opportunity a special blessing.
Zimbabwe will host the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 along with South Africa and Namibia, giving Raza and his teammates a chance to represent their country in front of a home crowd.
Sikandar Raza eyes emotional farewell at ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in Zimbabwe
Speaking at the launch of the mobile cricket game SIXR on Tuesday (October 13), Sikandar Raza said the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 would be special for him personally. The Zimbabwe captain said that playing in the World Cup at home before retirement is a “blessing” for him.
However, Raza feels Zimbabwe may not get a major home advantage during the tournament because the organizers will have control over the conditions.
Sikandar Raza was quoted as saying by Cricinfo, "Every cricketer dreams of having retired or of retiring after a World Cup. The fact that I am coming to the end of my career as well, so to have an opportunity to play a home World Cup, is certainly a blessing for me from a personal point of view.”
Raza highlights Africa’s beauty ahead of home World Cup
Raza is excited about welcoming cricket fans from around the world and showing them the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Zimbabwe. The veteral all-rounder expects fans who travel to Zimbabwe to enjoy an unforgettable experience in Africa. Amid this, Zimbabwe announce ODI, T20I squads for UAE tour; Sikandar Raza to lead.
The all-rounder shared, “From a collective point of view, I do think the world really needs to see what Africa has to offer—the beauty, the crowd, and the vibe and everything that we have to offer in Zimbabwe, especially. The world deserves to see it. For people who will find time to travel to Zimbabwe to watch the World Cup, it will be an unforgettable experience.”
Sikandar Raza backs new 2027 ODI World Cup format
Raza also welcomed the proposed World Cup format. Under this system, three teams will compete in the first round, with the winner joining the top 11 teams in two groups of six. The competition will then move to the Super Seven stage before the knockout matches. Raza believes teams that perform well should get more opportunities to play at the World Cup.
The Zimbabwe captain also praised Zimbabwe Cricket for arranging more matches for its players, including fixtures outside the regular Future Tours Programme. He feels the extra games will help the team prepare better for major international competitions.
Raza added, “I quite like the Super Seven idea. I think the teams that play well deserve to have more games at the World Cup. Zimbabwe Cricket has gone up and beyond for their players to play more games to be ready for whichever fixture.”
Sikandar Raza opens up on Zimbabwe’s home advantage and Victoria Falls Stadium
One of the biggest attractions of the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 will be the new Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. The venue is expected to offer travelling fans a memorable experience beyond the game, with beautiful views, stunning sunsets, the sound of the famous waterfalls, and Zimbabwe's warm hospitality.
Well, Raza said that Zimbabwe will try to use home conditions to their advantage in the 2027 World Cup. However, it may be difficult because the ICC controls the pitch and other arrangements. He is also excited about the opening of the new stadium in Victoria Falls.
He signed off by saying, “We will try our best to gain some home advantage, but it is difficult in ICC events, as the ICC is basically in control of everything. But yes, we will try and take some advantage where we can. We are excited about our new stadium opening in the next few months.”
