Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza won the Player of the series in the recently concluded ICC 2019 World Cup Qualifiers.
However, in his speech during the interaction, Raza slammed the ICC for restricting the elite World Cup events to just 10 teams. The 31-year-old stated that he was not happy receiving the award, as it reminded him that he will not be representing his country in the next year’s mega event of cricket.
Raza also apologized to the Zimbabwe cricket fans for dashing their hopes of World Cup qualifications.
“Certainly not happy at all. This trophy is a painful reminder of the dreams that we had, of the 15 million dreams we crushed. When I started playing cricket, I thought it was to unite the country, players of different backgrounds, everyone who comes together to play this beautiful sport. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. It’s a tough pill to swallow,” Raza said.
“This trophy will also serve as a reminder for Peter Borren and the Dutch players, for Coetzer and his Scottish players, for Mustafa and his UAE players, and all the countries who couldn’t make it to the World Cup,” he said.
My sincere apologies for not mentioning @purdy34 and the boys from @Irelandcricket
— Sikandar Raza (@SRazaB24) March 25, 2018
Just the emotions running high
Best wishes to @babarhayat199 and the boys from #HongKong and to boys from @Cricket_PNG for future https://t.co/3dHn5jlzT6
ICC chief Dave Richardson was present during the post match presentation.
“Congrats to Nepal on the ODI status. This trophy will also serve as a painful reminder for the two of our brother countries who lost their ODI status. I wish them luck. Not much to say; going through a lot of emotions,” he concluded.