T20 Blast 2026: Sikandar Raza joins Worcestershire as Ben Dwarshuis replacement

Worcestershire are strengthening their squad as they aim to clinch the T20 Blast title for the first time in seven years, announcing the signing of Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza as a replacement for Ben Dwarshuis. Dwarshuis had taken 18 wickets for Worcestershire in last season’s Blast while also contributing with the bat.

Although Dwarshuis was set to return in 2026, he was withdrawn from his deal by Cricket Australia last month after being signed by Ricky Ponting’s Punjab Kings in the IPL auction. Raza, a middle-order batter, is not a like-for-like replacement but has committed to play for the duration of the Blast.

Worcestershire’s overseas contingent will also include Pakistani leg-spinner Usama Mir, who signed a long-term deal last year, while former England Under-19 left-arm spinner Fateh Singh completes a strong spin attack. Raza brings prior T20 Blast experience, having represented Northamptonshire in 2024, and has also featured for Manchester Originals in The Hundred.

Worcestershire were T20 Blast champions in 2018 and finished as runners-up in 2019, but have struggled in the competition since, reaching the quarter-finals only once in the past six seasons.

"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," said Raza as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"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 all three facets, so we were very keen to get Sikandar on board as soon as we knew he was available,” said head coach Alan Richardson.

Associate Nations have caught up with T20 format: Raza

Also Read

Associate Nations have caught up with T20 format: Raza

Leicestershire confirmed that Keshav Maharaj’s deal had fallen through due to workload restrictions imposed by Cricket South Africa. He has been replaced by New Zealand left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who will join the club on an all-format, full-season contract.

Kent, meanwhile, announced that Australian seamer Tom Rogers will return for a third consecutive T20 Blast season. Rogers has not played since suffering a shoulder injury during a win against Sussex last July and will compete with South Africans Keith Dudgeon and Senuran Muthusamy for Kent’s two overseas slots in the Blast. Additionally, Kent confirmed that Zak Crawley will remain with the club in 2026, signing another rolling one-year deal aligned with his England contract, which expires in October.