Worcestershire Rapids are delighted to announce the signing of Zimbabwe International all-rounder Sikandar Raza for the entirety of this year’s Vitality Blast T20 competition.
The Zimbabwe T20 captain, who has represented his country 128 times in the shortest format of the game, has built a reputation as one of the most skilful T20 players in the world and joins the Rapids as a second overseas player for the tournament.
Having gained experience across the globe in franchise cricket across his impressive 19-year professional career, the off-spinning all-rounder has featured in the IPL, CPL, PSL and SA20, also appearing in the Hundred for Manchester Originals during the summer of 2024.
With a T20 high score of 133* for Zimbabwe, the all-rounder also boasts an impressive record with the ball, having taken over 230 wickets during his T20 career on both the domestic and international scene.
Raza expressed his excitement about joining Worcestershire, with the 39-year-old eagerly anticipating the start of the Vitality Blast campaign later this summer.
“I am delighted to be joining Worcestershire Rapids this summer and to be playing in a T20 competition that I really enjoy.
“I have loved my time in England whenever I have played there previously, so I can’t wait to get started this summer and link up with the squad.”
With a proven track record in the Vitality Blast having scored over 200 runs for Northamptonshire Steelbacks during the 2024 campaign, Raza’s quality has also been prominent in the ILT20, where he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in the same year.
The all-rounder showed his clutch batting skillset in the 2025 final, where he played a pivotal role in the Dubai Capitals’ maiden title victory, delivering an explosive 34* off 12 balls to clinch the trophy against Desert Vipers.
Men’s Head Coach Alan Richardson, highlighted Raza’s quality with the bat, ball and in the field as one of the leading reasons why the club were so keen to complete his signature when the opportunity arose.
“Sikandar’s stats in T20 cricket speak for themself and as a side who want to kick on in the Vitality Blast and challenge for the trophy, we know the importance of having real quality in key areas.
“With Ben (Dwarshuis) unable to join us, we wanted to make sure that we had someone with international pedigree and who can impact the game in in all three facets, so we were very keen to get Sikandar on board as soon as we knew he was available.”
CEO, Ashley Giles, added: “We are delighted to welcome Sikandar on board for the Vitality Blast this season, his vast experience with both the bat and the ball in T20 cricket will be a huge asset to the side.
“He is one of the most exciting all-rounders in limited overs cricket and we can’t wait to welcome him into the group.”
