Picture Credit: X
Punjab Kings all-rounder Sikandar Raza left Indian Premier League 2024 midway to join his national side for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Raza will join Zimbabwe for the five-match series against Bangladesh, which is scheduled to kick off on May 3. Raza played only two games for his IPL franchise this season and scored 43 runs for the Punjab Kings. His side registered their third win of the 17th IPL against KKR on April 26.
Raza played a significant role for Zimbabwe in international cricket last year but has had limited opportunities for PBKS in the last two years. In the 2024 season, Raza played for the franchise when Liam Livingstone got injured but was benched again when he got back to full fitness as Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, and Kagiso Rabada acquired three overseas slots.
Thank you India for having me: Sikandar Raza pens note as he leaves IPL 2024 midway
The 38-year-old took to social media to pen a note as he left India to join the national side for the upcoming series. He wrote on X, "Thank you India, IPL and Punjab Kings for having me, loved every minute of it. Time for national duty now #InshaAllah we will meet again soon.” As mentioned, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will play the opening game of the series on May 3, while the last game will be played on May 19.
Sikandar will be available for Punjab’s match against Rajasthan on May 15, before they lock horns against SunRisers Hyderabad on May 19. He may play in the last two matches of the season, as the Shikhar Dhawan-led side are unlikely to make it to the playoffs.