Sikandar Raza IPL Team 2026 is a question many cricket fans are asking, especially after his consistent performances in international cricket and franchise leagues around the world. However, the answer is simpler—and perhaps more disappointing—than most people expect.
The Zimbabwean all-rounder did not play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. More importantly, he was not even part of the auction pool. This article breaks down exactly what happened, his actual IPL record, and why his name keeps coming up in IPL discussions despite his absence.
Sikandar Raza IPL Team 2026: The Official Status
There is no IPL team for Sikandar Raza in 2026. Official auction records confirm that Raza was not among the 359 players shortlisted for the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi on 16 December 2025 .
This is a crucial distinction. Many fans and even some media reports incorrectly state that Raza “went unsold” in the IPL 2026 auction. That is not accurate. Going unsold means a player entered the auction but received no bids. Raza was never in the auction to begin with.
The shortlisted pool for IPL 2026 was drawn from ten overseas nations: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Malaysia. Zimbabwe was not among the represented countries, which meant Raza had no route into the auction .
So, if you are searching for which franchise Raza represents in IPL 2026, the honest answer is: none.
Sikandar Raza IPL 2026 Price and Auction Details
Since Raza was not part of the IPL 2026 auction, there is no auction price or contract value to report for this season.
The last time an IPL franchise had the opportunity to sign him was at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, where he entered with a base price of ₹1.25 crore. He received no bids and went unsold .
For context, before the 2025 auction, several cricket publications speculated that Raza could attract interest from teams like Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Rajasthan Royals due to his spin-bowling all-rounder profile . Those were pre-auction projections, not confirmed deals. No franchise officially signed him.
Any specific figure circulating about Raza’s “IPL 2026 salary” is unverified and should be treated with skepticism. Without an auction entry or a replacement signing, there is no official price to confirm.
Sikandar Raza IPL Career and Previous Teams
Raza’s IPL journey has been brief but noteworthy. He has represented only one franchise: Punjab Kings (PBKS).
He was picked by Punjab Kings at the IPL 2023 mini-auction and made his IPL debut on 1 April 2023 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali .
Raza played seven matches in IPL 2023, showing glimpses of his ability as a middle-order aggressor and handy off-spinner. His standout moment came against Lucknow Super Giants, where he scored 57 runs off 41 balls, becoming the first Zimbabwean player to score an IPL half-century .
In IPL 2024, however, opportunities dried up. He featured in just two matches, scoring 43 runs. Punjab Kings released him ahead of the 2025 season, and he has not appeared in the IPL since .
Sikandar Raza IPL Stats
Despite limited game time, Raza’s IPL numbers offer a small sample of his capabilities. Here is a summary of his IPL career statistics:
| Statistic | Batting | Bowling | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 9 | 7 innings | |
| Runs | 182 | 3 wickets | |
| Highest Score | 57 (vs LSG, 2023) | Best Bowling | 1/19 |
| Average | 26.00 | 48.33 | |
| Strike Rate | 133.82 | Economy | 10.36 |
| Fifties | 1 | — |
Source: IPL career records for Punjab Kings, 2023–2024 .
These numbers are modest, largely because he never received a consistent run of matches. In IPL 2023, he played seven games but often batted lower in the order. In 2024, he was mostly benched. Judging his IPL potential on nine scattered appearances would be unfair, especially given his international and franchise records elsewhere.
His Batting and Bowling Strengths
Raza’s value as a cricketer extends far beyond his IPL stat line.
As a batter, he is a right-handed middle-order player who can accelerate in the final overs. He plays spin particularly well, using his feet and wrists to find gaps, and he has the power to clear boundaries when needed. His T20 strike rate across all competitions sits at a healthy 136.16, and he has over 7,500 T20 runs with 38 fifties .
With the ball, he bowls right-arm off-break. He is not a massive turner of the ball, but he is accurate, varies his pace well, and has a knack for breaking partnerships. In T20 internationals, he has taken 111 wickets at an economy of 6.96, which is excellent for a part-time spinner operating in the middle overs .
His combination of middle-order hitting and reliable off-spin makes him exactly the kind of overseas all-rounder that IPL teams often seek—a player who can contribute in two departments without occupying a specialist slot.
Why IPL Teams May Be Interested in Sikandar Raza
Even though he is not in IPL 2026, the interest in Raza is understandable.
First, the IPL has increasingly valued spin-bowling all-rounders who can bat in the middle order. Players like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar have shown how valuable this role is. Raza offers a similar skill set as an overseas option, often at a lower price than marquee names.
Second, his international form has been strong. In 2022, he was one of the world’s best ODI all-rounders, and he has continued to perform in T20 leagues like the PSL and ILT20 . His experience in pressure situations for Zimbabwe, where he often carries the batting and bowling loads simultaneously, speaks to his temperament.
Third, his age—he turned 40 in April 2026—means he would likely come cheap. For franchises looking for a backup overseas all-rounder or a short-term replacement, Raza represents low-risk depth .
That said, the IPL’s auction dynamics are unpredictable. Zimbabwean players have historically received limited attention, and Raza’s age may work against him in future auctions. The 2027 mini-auction could theoretically reopen the door, but at 41 by then, it remains unlikely .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which team does Sikandar Raza play for in IPL 2026?
No team. Raza was not part of the IPL 2026 auction and did not play in the tournament.
2. Was Sikandar Raza unsold in the IPL 2026 auction?
No. He was not shortlisted for the auction at all. He was unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, but that is a different event.
3. What was Sikandar Raza’s IPL price?
He was bought by Punjab Kings for ₹1 crore for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He entered the 2025 auction at a base price of ₹1.25 crore but received no bids.
4. How many IPL matches has Sikandar Raza played?
He has played 9 IPL matches, all for Punjab Kings, across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
5. Did Sikandar Raza score a fifty in the IPL?
Yes. He scored 57 runs off 41 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023, his only IPL half-century.
Conclusion
The Sikandar Raza IPL Team 2026 question has a clear answer: he does not have one. Raza’s absence from IPL 2026 was not a rejection on auction day—it was a structural outcome of his non-inclusion in the shortlisted player pool.
His IPL career, while short, showed enough to suggest he could have been a useful squad player in the right setup. With 182 runs and three wickets in nine matches, he never got a proper run. But his broader T20 record and international performances keep his name in conversations, even when he is not on an IPL roster.
For now, Raza continues to play franchise cricket elsewhere, including the Pakistan Super League. Whether an IPL return ever happens remains uncertain, but his place as one of Zimbabwe’s finest modern cricketers is already secure.
