KATHMANDU, Aug 29: Kathmandu Kings XI (KKXI) announced the signing of Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza on Tuesday. The Pakistan-born cricketer is the third current international player to have signed for the club for this edition’s Everest Premier League (EPL).

Raza himself is pumped to be part of Nepal’s marquee franchise league. “I am really excited and honored to be part of TVS EPL. I will be representing Kathmandu Kings XI. I cannot wait to see you all there. Come on and see us in numbers,” said Raza in an introductory video posted on the social media of Kings XI.

The 32-year-old has represented Zimbabwe in 10 tests, 85 ODIs and 28 T20Is. He has scored four international centuries and 20 half-centuries representing the African side. Raza also has 71 international wickets to his credit, including 50 in ODIs.

KKXI had earlier announced the signing of Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) captain Rohan Mustafa. Raza and O’Brien are the only Test players so far to have confirmed their participation in EPL 2018/19.

Raza is one of the coveted all-rounders rising from African continent who was adjudged the man-of-the-series in this year’s ICC World Cup Qualifiers. In the same qualifiers, Nepal had earned ODI status for the first time in the country’s cricket history. 

“Zimbabwe has a rich history of excellent players, and Sikandar is a talent of one of its kind. He has a brilliant cricketing brain with skills to back it up. A right-handed batsman and a right-arm spin bowler, he is the perfect all-rounder for the team, with a proven track record all over the world,” said CEO of KKXI, Raj Jung Thapa.

Raza previously played for Chittagong Vikings in Bangladesh Premier League and Montreal Tigers.  He also recently played in Global T20 Canada League. Kathmandu Kings XI will be his third overseas franchise since his rise as an international player for Zimbabwe.

 
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