So here’s the thing about cricket – sometimes the best stories come from the most unexpected places. And man, does Sikandar Raza have a story to tell! This dude literally went from dreaming about flying fighter jets to becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most loved cricketers. I mean, talk about plot twists!
Let me tell you about this absolute legend who stands tall at 5 feet 11 inches but has an even bigger heart for the game.
Biography
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Sikandar Raza Butt |
| Birth Date | April 24, 1986 |
| Age | 39 years |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (perfect cricket height) |
| Born Where | Sialkot, Pakistan |
| Plays For | Zimbabwe (since 2013) |
| Bats | Right-handed |
| Bowls | Right-arm off break |
| What He Does | All-rounder (the complete package) |
| Jersey Number | 24 |
| Net Worth | Around Rs 37 crores (not bad at all!) |
Similar: AB de Villiers Biography
Education
A young kid in Sialkot, Pakistan, looking up at planes and thinking “That’s gonna be me up there someday.” That was Sikandar Raza at Pakistan Air Force Public School Lower Topa. For three whole years, this guy was dead set on becoming a pilot.
But life had other plans. Failed a vision test. Boom. Dreams crashed before they even took off.
Now, most people would be devastated, right? Not our guy. Sometimes when one door slams shut, another one opens with a cricket bat in hand.
In 2002, his family packed up and moved to Zimbabwe. But Raza wasn’t done with education. Nope. This ambitious guy went all the way to Scotland – Glasgow Caledonian University to be exact – and got himself a software engineering degree. Smart cookie, eh?
While studying in Scotland, he was playing cricket for Weirs CC. And get this – in 2006, he smashed three T20 centuries on the very same ground where they later filmed that Bollywood blockbuster “83” in 2019. I mean, the universe has a sense of humor, doesn’t it?
International Debut & Jersey Number
Raza didn’t just jump into international cricket overnight. He worked for it. His debut came in 2013 when he was already 27 – that’s pretty late by cricket standards, but hey, good wine takes time!
His Test debut? September 3, 2013, against Pakistan. How’s that for emotional? Playing against your birth country must’ve been something else. Then came his ODI debut on May 3, 2013, against Bangladesh, followed by his T20I debut on May 11, 2013, also against Bangladesh.
That jersey number 24? It’s become legendary in Zimbabwe cricket circles. Fans see that number and they know they’re in for some serious entertainment.
Career Stats (As of July 2025)
Look, I could bore you with tons of stats, but let me break down the important stuff:
Batting Stats
| Format | Games Played | Total Runs | Average | How Fast He Scores | Hundreds | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 19 | 1,353 | 36.56 | 55.77 | 1 | 10 |
| ODIs | 151 | 4,325 | 36.04 | 85.74 | 7 | 22 |
| T20Is | 108 | 2,478 | 26.08 | 135.11 | 1 | 15 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Wickets Taken | Best Figures | Average | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 39 | 7/113 | 42.12 | 3.22 |
| ODIs | 93 | 4/55 | 43.10 | 4.84 |
| T20Is | 81 | 5/18 | 23.39 | 6.94 |
That T20I strike rate of 135.11? Absolutely mental! And his bowling in T20s with an average of 23.39? Chef’s kiss!
Domestic & Franchise League Teams
Raza’s been around the block more than a traveling salesman:
His Team Journey:
- 2006-2009: Northerns (where it all started)
- 2009-2011: Southern Rocks
- 2011-2017: Mashonaland Eagles (long stint here)
- 2017-2019: Chittagong Vikings (Bangladesh calling)
- 2017-2020: Matabeleland Tuskers
- 2023-2025: Lahore Qalandars (back to his roots)
- 2023-2024: Punjab Kings (IPL action)
IPL Salary
Let’s be real – everyone wants to know about the IPL payday, right?
| Year | Team | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Punjab Kings | INR 50 lakhs |
| 2024 | Punjab Kings | INR 50 lakhs |
Now, 50 lakhs might not sound like Kohli, Gill or Dhoni money, but here’s the thing – his total net worth is estimated at Rs 37 crores! That’s serious money coming from various leagues, endorsements, and contracts worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Sikandar Raza’s heightt?
A: Sikandar Raza is 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm).
Q2: How old is Sikandar Raza?
A: Born on April 24, 1986, Sikandar Raza is currently 39 years old.
Q3: What is Sikandar Raza’s educational background?
A: Raza studied at Pakistan Air Force Public School Lower Topa and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in software engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland.
Q4: When did Sikandar Raza make his international cricket debut?
A: His Test debut was on September 3, 2013, vs Pakistan; ODI debut on May 3, 2013, vs Bangladesh; and T20I debut on May 11, 2013, vs Bangladesh.
Q5: What is Sikandar Raza’s jersey number?
A: Sikandar Raza wears jersey number 24 for Zimbabwe in both ODIs and T20Is.
Q6: Which teams has Sikandar Raza played for?
A: Internationally for Zimbabwe since 2013, and domestically for teams including Punjab Kings (IPL), Lahore Qalandars, Chittagong Vikings, and various Zimbabwean domestic sides.
Q7: What is Sikandar Raza’s IPL salary?
A: His IPL salary with Punjab Kings was INR 50 lac for both 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Q8: What is Sikandar Raza’s estimated net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is Rs 37 crore.
Q9: What are Sikandar Raza’s major achievements?
A: Key achievements include over 8,000 international runs, 200+ international wickets, consistent all-round performances across all formats, and being Zimbabwe’s leading all-rounder.
Q10: What is Sikandar Raza’s batting and bowling style?
A: He is a right-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler, playing as an all-rounder.
Q11: Where was Sikandar Raza born?
A: He was born in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan.