In that context, Raza reckoned that opportunities to play in some competitive leagues such as SA20 and the just-concluded ILT20 will stand Zimbabwe players in good stead ahead of the T20 World Cup.
“Yeah, it certainly helps. I think the more cricket we have before the World Cup, the more match fitness and rhythm we will find ourselves in. So, it was nice to have three Zimbabweans at ILT20. Unfortunately, Blessing (Muzarabani) was supposed to be there as well, but he got injured and he was doing his rehab. But he’s fit now. So the more Zimbabweans that play cricket, it will be very good for the country and also going into the World Cup, it will be very useful,” he explained.
However, Raza braved the recent death of his younger brother Muhammad Mahdi to play in the SA20.
The 13-year-old Mahidi died last Monday due to health complications.
The 39-year-old said he was mentally ready to play in a high-intensity tournament despite the personal tragedy.
“I think that part of my life will always be difficult. But I did say to my team as well, if it wasn’t mentally, physically and emotionally ready, I wouldn’t be here. The fact that I think that I can add value, I’ve decided to join you and I will take nothing away from you. I’ll give as much as I can to the team, the energy, the experience, whatever you ask me to do, I’ll do it. So yeah, it’s nice to be here,” he added.
But Raza, the first Zimbabwe to play in SA20, found a deeper meaning in his presence in the fourth edition of this tournament.