'Sikandar Raza will be the Story of IPL 2023' - Twitter elated as Zimbabwe all-rounder bags maiden IPL deal with Punjab Kings

Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza was signed by the Punjab Kings for the upcoming edition of the IPL 2023. There was no bidding war for the star player as PBKS acquired him at his base price of INR 50 lakh. He will become just the fourth player from Zimbabwe, after Ray Price, Tatenda Taibu, and Brandon Taylor to play in the IPL.

Raza played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2022. The mystery spinner was really good with the ball, and also played some crucial knocks with the bat, chipping in the important runs when needed. He helped his side clear the first-round games and enter the Super 12 stage, even though Zimbabwe could not make it till the end.

In T20Is, Raza has an average of 20.98 and a strike rate of 128.86 with the bat. He has picked up 38 wickets at an economy rate of 7.18. In the T20 WC 2022, Sikandar Raza amassed 219 runs in 8 games while also taking 10 wickets. Raza excels at deceiving opponents with his large array of bowling variations. He was the skipper's go-to bowler at the T20 World Cup as well.

The power-hitter can deliver a few lusty blows at the end of the innings, which will be a huge bonus for the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Raza would be making his IPL debut this time. Given that BCCI is planning to return to home and away venues for the 16th edition of the competition, it will be intriguing to see how he performs in IPL 2023 in different conditions. The all-rounder possesses a surprise aspect, and PBKS will be hopeful that he changes their luck.

Punjab Kings went all in at the start of the IPL Auction, when they purchased all-rounder Sam Curran for a whopping INR 18.50 crore, making him the most expensive player in the history of the tournament. Adding another all-rounder to their squad in the form of Sikander Raza, PBKS will have good depth in their playing combination.

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Here's how Twitter reacted:

King Raza is here to rule! 👑#IPL2023 #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #TATAIPLAuction #SikandarRaza @SRazaB24 pic.twitter.com/3egeg1IP0Y

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 23, 2022

Sadde 2️⃣ all-rounders! ❤️#SherSquad, what was your reaction? #PunjabKings #TATAIPLAuction #IPL2023 #SamCurran #SikandarRaza @CurranSM @SRazaB24 pic.twitter.com/feF8yFZ18p

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 23, 2022

He’s done it! Zimbabwean star Sikandar Raza has sold to the Punjab Kings for 50 lakhs and will feature in the 2023 Indian Premier League!

Phenomenal❤️🇿🇼 pic.twitter.com/qQrwNYqcJ4

— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 #RegisterToVote (@AdamTheofilatos) December 23, 2022

REALLY happy for Sikandar Raza. Deserved this so much.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) December 23, 2022

Zimbabwe players sold in IPL auction:

Tatenda Taibu in 2008 (KKR)
Brendan Taylor in 2014 (SRH)
Sikandar Raza in 2023 (PBKS)#IPLAuction

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 23, 2022

Sikandar Raza will be the Story OF IPL 2023. #IPLAuctions pic.twitter.com/4H9MWifwU5

— Ayush Ranjan (@AyushRaGenius) December 23, 2022

That was absolutely mad!!

Amidst that drama, Punjab Kings slyly picked Sikandar Raza for base price. Massive pick.#IPLAuction

— Narbavi (@Narbavi) December 23, 2022

And nice to see Sikandar Raza getting an IPL gig. He's had a phenomenal year!

— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) December 23, 2022

Sikandar Raza at 50 L is easily the best moneyball pick in this auction.

Batting aside, he can easily give 3-4 overs in Indian conditions.

— Vishesh Monga (@infinitevishesh) December 23, 2022

Also happy for Sikandar Raza. Hats off to his fighting spirit.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) December 23, 2022

Sikandar Raza at 50 lakhs may turn out to be one of the smartest picks in IPL history. PBKS have somewhat balanced their Sam Curran idiocy with a pragmatic buy.

— Cricketjeevi (@wildcardgyan) December 23, 2022