Full Name: Sikandar Raza Butt
Nickname: Raza, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
Date of Birth: 24 April 1986
Age: 39 Years (as of February 2026)
Birthplace: Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan
Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe
Profession: Professional Cricketer (All-rounder)
Years Active: 2013 – Present
Nationality: Zimbabwean (Naturalized)
Religion: Islam
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Height: 5’11” (Approx.)
Weight: 75 kg (Approx.)
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black
Body Measurements: 40-32-14 (Approx.)
Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian
Hobbies: Gym, Traveling, Spending time with family
Tattoos: None
Father’s Name: Tasadaq Hussain Raza (Businessman)
Mother’s Name: Not Publicly Disclosed
Siblings: Tayyab Raza (Brother)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Not Publicly Disclosed (Kept private)
Children: Yes
Affairs / Relationships: No public controversies
Instagram ID: @sikandarr24
Instagram Followers: 500k+ (Growing)
Twitter (X): @SRazaB24
Facebook: Sikandar Raza Official
YouTube Channel: N/A
Other Platforms: Active on LinkedIn for professional engagements
Introduction
Sikandar Raza Butt is a name that resonates with resilience, passion, and the "never-say-die" spirit of Zimbabwean cricket. A Pakistani-born cricketer who became the heartbeat of Zimbabwe's national team, Raza is widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in the modern era of the game. Currently serving as the captain of the Zimbabwe T20I team, his journey is a fascinating tale of a boy who dreamed of the skies but found his destiny on the 22 yards of a cricket pitch. As of early 2026, Raza has cemented his legacy as a global T20 freelancer and a national hero, recently leading Zimbabwe to a historic Super 8 qualification in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Early Life & Childhood
Born on April 24, 1986, in the industrial city of Sialkot, Pakistan, Sikandar Raza grew up in a family that valued education and discipline. From a young age, his ambitions were far removed from the cricket stadium. Raza’s primary dream was to become a fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). He spent three rigorous years at the PAF Public School Lower Topa, where he excelled in academics and physical training.
However, fate had other plans. During his final physical examinations, Raza failed a mandatory vision test due to a minor deficiency that prevented him from qualifyng for the pilot program. Heartbroken but undeterred, he shifted his focus toward higher education. In 2002, his parents emigrated to Zimbabwe, while Raza moved to Scotland to pursue a degree in Software Engineering. It was during his time in the UK that his latent talent for cricket began to surface as he played semi-professional matches to support his lifestyle and stay connected to sports.
Education Qualification
Sikandar Raza is one of the most academically qualified cricketers on the international circuit. He completed his early schooling in Pakistan before moving to Scotland for his tertiary education. He attended Glasgow Caledonian University, where he graduated with a degree in B.Sc. in Software Engineering. This technical background has often been credited for his analytical approach to the game, especially his ability to read match situations and master the various "mystery" variations in his off-spin bowling.
Career Journey
After completing his studies, Raza moved to Zimbabwe to join his family. He began playing domestic cricket for the Northerns and Mashonaland Eagles. His consistent performances caught the eye of the selectors, but he had to wait for his citizenship to be processed before he could represent the national side.
Raza made his international debut for Zimbabwe in May 2013 in an ODI against Bangladesh. While he started primarily as a specialist batsman, he gradually evolved into a genuine all-rounder. His career has seen its fair share of ups and downs, including a period in 2018 where he was briefly sidelined due to administrative disputes with Zimbabwe Cricket. However, his return to the side marked the beginning of his "Golden Era," where he transformed from a useful player into a match-winner of global repute.
Breakthrough Moment
The year 2022 was the defining turning point in Sikandar Raza’s life. During the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifiers and the subsequent main tournament in Australia, Raza performed at a level rarely seen in Zimbabwean history. His twin centuries against Bangladesh in an ODI series and his spectacular performance in the T20 World Cup—most notably his 3-wicket haul that led Zimbabwe to a historic 1-run victory over Pakistan—propelled him into the global spotlight. This period saw him become the first Zimbabwean to win the ICC Player of the Month award (August 2022).
Major Works & Projects
Raza's impact extends far beyond the national team. He has become a sought-after name in T20 leagues worldwide:
- IPL: Represented Punjab Kings (PBKS), becoming one of the few Zimbabweans to secure an IPL contract and win a 'Player of the Match' award in the league.
- PSL: A crucial part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, helping them secure titles with his finishing abilities.
- Other Leagues: He has featured in the ILT20 (Dubai Capitals), CPL (Trinbago Knight Riders), SA20 (Paarl Royals), and the BPL (Rangpur Riders).
- T20 World Cup 2026: Led Zimbabwe as captain to the Super 8 stage, defeating giants like Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stages.
Awards & Achievements
Raza’s trophy cabinet is a testament to his longevity and skill:
- Most POTM Awards: In 2025, he surpassed Virat Kohli for the most Player of the Match awards in T20Is (achieving his 17th against Sri Lanka).
- ICC T20I Team of the Year: Named in the global XI for two consecutive years (2022, 2023).
- First T20I Centurion for Zimbabwe: He holds the record for the first and fastest T20I century for his country (133* vs Gambia).
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Awarded the MVP in the ILT20 2024 season.
Income, Fees & Net Worth
Sikandar Raza's net worth as of 2026 is estimated to be approximately $5 Million to $7 Million (USD). His income is diversified across several streams:
- Central Contract: A top-tier contract with Zimbabwe Cricket.
- League Salaries: His IPL contract (approx. ₹50 Lakhs) and substantial drafting prices in the PSL, ILT20, and SA20 contribute the bulk of his earnings.
- Endorsements: He is the face of several brands in Zimbabwe and has bat-sponsorship deals with major sporting brands.
Lifestyle, Assets & Cars
Despite his international stardom, Raza maintains a humble and grounded lifestyle in Harare. He is known to be a family man who prefers quiet time over the limelight. He owns a luxury residence in Harare and has a collection of SUVs suitable for the Zimbabwean terrain. His lifestyle is characterized by a strict fitness regime, often sharing gym sessions on social media to inspire the younger generation of African cricketers.
Controversies & Criticism
Raza’s career has been relatively clean, though he has faced hurdles. In 2018, a contract dispute with Zimbabwe Cricket nearly ended his career prematurely, leading to his exclusion from several series. He was also involved in a minor on-field spat with Irish players in 2023, which resulted in a brief suspension. However, Raza has always addressed these issues with maturity, often stating that his "emotions come from a place of passion for the game."
Lesser Known Facts
- He speaks multiple languages fluently, including English, Punjabi, Urdu, and Shona.
- He only took up professional cricket at the age of 24, a very late start compared to most internationals.
- Raza underwent a cancer scare in 2021 when a tumor was found in his bone; fortunately, it was benign, and he returned to the field after surgery.
- He still keeps up with software trends and is tech-savvy.
Public Image & Fan Following
Raza is more than just a player; he is a symbol of hope for Zimbabwe. In a country where football often dominates, Raza has single-handedly brought the crowds back to the Harare Sports Club. He is widely respected for his accessibility to fans and his vocal support for the growth of Associate and smaller cricket nations.
Upcoming Projects & Future Goals
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2026 and 2027, Raza has signed with Worcestershire for the T20 Blast in England. His primary goal remains leading Zimbabwe to the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe. He has hinted at transitioning into coaching or mentoring roles in the future to help nurture the next generation of "Chevrons."
Disclaimer: This biography is compiled based on publicly available data, career statistics, and media reports as of February 2026. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, personal details like net worth are estimates.