Sikandar Raza Calls Zimbabwe’s Home World Cup Opportunity a “Blessing”
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza says the chance to play a World Cup on home soil near the end of his international career is a personal milestone—and an opportunity to show cricket fans around the world what the country has to offer. The experienced allrounder described the prospect as a “blessing,” while also welcoming the tournament’s expanded format and urging greater investment in Zimbabwean cricket.
Speaking at the launch of mobile game SIXR on Tuesday, Raza reflected on how unusual it is for a player approaching retirement to have the chance to compete in a major global tournament at home. For him, the occasion carries significance beyond the matches themselves: it will bring international teams, supporters and attention to Zimbabwe.
“To have an opportunity to play a home World Cup at home is certainly a blessing for me from a personal point of view,” Raza said. He added that Africa’s scenery, crowds and atmosphere deserve to be experienced by a wider audience, describing a trip to Zimbabwe for the tournament as a potentially unforgettable experience for visiting fans.
A World Cup That Could Showcase Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe are set to play in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, Australia and Afghanistan. The final team in the group will be determined through a qualifying tournament, adding another layer of interest to a pool already featuring several prominent cricket nations.
The demanding line-up will give Zimbabwe a major test, but it will also place the hosts before a large international audience. For local supporters, the event promises the rare chance to watch top-level cricket at home. For travelling fans, the tournament could offer an opportunity to combine match days with a broader visit to the country.
Raza’s comments highlight how a home World Cup can matter even before the first ball is bowled. Hosting can support tourism, bring new attention to local venues and give young players a close-up view of elite international cricket. It may also help strengthen the connection between the national team and its supporters.
Raza Backs the Super Seven Format
The Zimbabwe captain also voiced support for the proposed Super Seven structure, arguing that teams who perform well should have more chances to compete at a World Cup. In his view, a format that rewards strong results with additional matches can make qualification and group-stage performance more meaningful.
“The teams that play well deserve to have more games at the World Cup,” Raza said. More fixtures would not only extend the tournament for successful sides; they could also provide valuable experience against high-quality opposition. For developing teams, that exposure can be important, particularly when opportunities to face leading nations are limited.
Raza pointed to Zimbabwe Cricket’s efforts to arrange matches beyond the country’s regular Future Tours Programme commitments. He said the board had worked to secure extra fixtures so players could build match readiness ahead of major assignments. Preparation is especially important for Zimbabwe, who will need to adapt quickly to the pressure and pace of a World Cup campaign.
Can Zimbabwe Make the Most of Home Conditions?
Although Zimbabwe will host the tournament, Raza does not expect the team to have complete control over the playing conditions. At ICC events, pitch preparation and other arrangements are subject to tournament oversight, which can limit the traditional home advantage teams might enjoy in bilateral series.
He said Zimbabwe would still look for fair ways to make the most of familiar surroundings, while recognising that the scope to shape conditions would be restricted. Familiarity with the grounds, climate and local environment may nevertheless help players feel settled as they prepare for key fixtures.
Zimbabwe’s matches are scheduled across Harare, Bulawayo and a new venue in Victoria Falls. The variety of locations will give the tournament a broad national footprint, while offering supporters different settings in which to follow the action.
Victoria Falls Venue Adds a New Dimension
The planned stadium near Victoria Falls is expected to be inaugurated in the coming months, with Zimbabwe scheduled to face India there on October 24. The fixture could give the new ground a high-profile debut and place one of the tournament’s most anticipated match-ups against a striking natural backdrop.
Raza said the venue should offer more than cricket. He highlighted the surrounding scenery, the sound of the falls, sunset views and Zimbabwe’s hospitality as part of the experience awaiting visiting players and fans. His comments underline the potential for the location to become a distinctive stop on the tournament schedule, where sport and tourism meet.
A successful launch could also leave a longer-term legacy. A new international-standard venue can create opportunities to host future matches and events, while helping bring cricket to a wider audience. Its impact will depend on continued investment and regular use, but the prospect has already generated excitement within the Zimbabwe camp.
Why Test Cricket Matters to Zimbabwe’s Growth
Raza also backed Zimbabwe’s possible inclusion in the next World Test Championship cycle. The issue is expected to be discussed at an ICC meeting in November. Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland have not featured in the first three WTC cycles, while the current cycle is due to conclude in mid-2027.
The captain believes regular Test cricket could accelerate Zimbabwe’s development across all formats. He credited the longest form of the game with playing a major role in his own progress, saying that the demands of Test cricket can strengthen a player’s technique, patience and decision-making.
Raza acknowledged that Zimbabwe might find the early stages challenging if admitted to the competition. However, he argued that consistent participation would provide a clearer pathway for improvement and could eventually benefit the team in one-day and T20 cricket as well. The case is not simply about adding fixtures: it is about giving players sustained opportunities to learn, compete and build experience at the highest level.
Retirement Plans Remain Firm
Despite his support for Zimbabwe’s potential WTC entry, Raza ruled out extending his career to take part. He said he had made peace with his retirement decision and would not reverse it if the country joined the championship.
That position gives his upcoming home World Cup added personal weight. Raza is preparing to represent Zimbabwe at a major event in front of local fans while remaining clear that he intends to step away when the time comes. His focus, for now, is on helping the team prepare, making the most of its fixtures and contributing to a tournament that could leave a lasting mark on Zimbabwean cricket.
As the event approaches, supporters will be weighing the possibilities: how Zimbabwe might handle a challenging group, whether home familiarity can make a difference, and what the new Victoria Falls ground will bring. Any cricket prediction will depend on form, preparation and the strength of the opposition. But Raza’s broader message is clear: the World Cup is not only a sporting test—it is a chance for Zimbabwe to welcome the world and demonstrate the value of investing in the game.
