I never thought of playing for Pakistan, says Zimbabwe's veteran Sikandar Raza

Pakistan-born Zimbabwe cricket star Sikandar Raza has disclosed that his aim was never to become a cricketer and the thought of playing for Pakistan never came to his mind.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, the 36-year-old said that the opportunity came to him in Zimbabwe to pursue cricket but his goal initially was to become a fighter pilot.

"I never had this thought when I lived in Pakistan, so how can it come when I am playing against them? I have told this before, I never left Pakistan to become cricketer, my objective was to become a fighter pilot but I couldn't become one. I did software engineering and my family moved to Zimbabwe till then. I was planning to do masters but eventually, I had an opportunity to play in domestic cricket for Zimbabwe and the journey started," he added.

On the other hand, Sikandar further added that he usually talks to Pakistan players but Shoaib Malik stays in touch with him regularly. "Pakistan players are who were from the start are still friends. Shoaib Malik has always been in touch, we talk a lot and I ask questions."

Meanwhile, he also praised Pakistan captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan.

"I don't think there would be anyone who doesn't love Babar Azam. Not just Babar, I love Rizi [Rizwan] Bhai too and he looks brilliant while playing," he added.