Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has hailed Sikandar Raza after he became the country’s most capped international cricketer, reaching the landmark of 314 appearances during the third and final T20 International against Bangladesh at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.
The milestone sees him surpass Hamilton Masakadza, who represented Zimbabwe in 313 international matches across an illustrious career spanning 38 Tests, 209 One-Day Internationals and 66 T20Is.
Raza’s record-breaking appearance comes after an outstanding international career that has seen him play 22 Tests, 156 ODIs and 136 T20Is since making his debut for Zimbabwe in an ODI against Bangladesh at the very same venue – Queens Sports Club – on 3 May 2013.
The coincidence of reaching the milestone against the same opponents and at the same ground where his international journey began more than 13 years ago adds a fitting symmetry to one of the finest careers in Zimbabwean cricket.
ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani congratulated Raza on the achievement, describing it as fitting for a player whose career has been defined by excellence, resilience and an unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe.
“On behalf of the Zimbabwe Cricket Board, our players, staff, stakeholders and the entire cricket family, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sikandar Raza on becoming Zimbabwe’s most capped international cricketer,” he said.
“To represent your country even once is a privilege. To do so 314 times is an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of Sikandar’s exceptional skill, professionalism, resilience and remarkable longevity at the highest level.
“For well over a decade, he has been a tremendous servant of Zimbabwe cricket, inspiring teammates and supporters alike through his performances, his fighting spirit and the pride with which he has represented our country.
“Sikandar’s achievements have brought immense pride to Zimbabwe, elevated the profile of our cricket on the world stage and inspired countless young players to believe that they, too, can succeed at the highest level.
“We are incredibly proud of what he has accomplished and look forward to seeing him continue adding to an already remarkable legacy.”
Widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s greatest cricketers, Raza has built a career defined by record-breaking achievements and global recognition.
Earlier this month, he became only the fifth Zimbabwean to score 9 000 international runs across all formats.
He is also the first player from an ICC Full Member nation to score more than 3 000 T20I runs and take 100 T20I wickets, underlining his status as one of the format’s premier all-rounders.
Among his many other milestones, Raza became Zimbabwe’s first T20I centurion with his explosive unbeaten 133 against Gambia, the first Zimbabwean to score 5 000 career T20 runs and has captained the national T20I side while serving as ODI vice-captain.
His exploits have also earned him worldwide acclaim.
Raza has reached the summit of the ICC rankings in both white-ball formats, becoming the world’s number one ODI all-rounder before also attaining the number one T20I all-rounder ranking – a rare feat that reflects his sustained excellence with both bat and ball.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, he was named Zimbabwe’s Sportsperson of the Year in 2023 and 2025.
A multiple franchise title winner around the world, Raza’s latest milestone further cements a legacy that already ranks among the greatest in Zimbabwean cricket history.
His 314th international appearance is more than another cap – it is a testament to more than a decade of exceptional service, consistency and excellence in Zimbabwe colours.
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