Sikandar Raza to Miss Zimbabwe's Test Against Ireland, Set for White-Ball Return
Zimbabwe Cricket has announced the squads for their upcoming multi-format series against Ireland, with a notable absence in the Test squad—star allrounder Sikandar Raza. Due to prior commitments to franchise cricket, Raza will miss the one-off Test, scheduled to be played in Bulawayo from February 6-10.
However, fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Raza will be available for the white-ball leg of the series. This includes three ODIs on February 14, 16, and 18, followed by three T20Is on February 22, 23, and 25, all set to take place in Harare.
Sean Williams Returns, Squad Updates for the Series
While Raza’s absence in the Test squad leaves a gap, Zimbabwe received a significant boost with the return of veteran allrounder Sean Williams. The 38-year-old, who impressed with a century in the Test series against Afghanistan, has recovered from a back injury and is cleared to feature in both the Test and ODI matches.
In the Test squad, selectors have made changes by excluding Dion Myers and Tadiwanashe Marumani, replacing them with uncapped players—legspinner Vincent Masekesa and batter Nicholas Welch. Meanwhile, Myers retains his spot in the T20I squad but has been left out of the ODI setup alongside Joylord Gumbie. Wessly Madhevere and Nyasha Mayavo have been included in the 50-over format to strengthen the squad.
Full Squads for Zimbabwe vs Ireland Series
Test Squad:
Craig Ervine (C), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams
ODI Squad:
Craig Ervine (C), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
T20I Squad:
Sikandar Raza (C), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri
Series Schedule:
- Test Match: February 6-10, Bulawayo
- ODIs: February 14, 16, 18, Harare
- T20Is: February 22, 23, 25, Harare
With the blend of experience and promising young talent, Zimbabwe will look to make a mark in this crucial series. While Raza’s absence in the red-ball format may be felt, his leadership in the T20Is will be pivotal.
