A LEADING Indian sports media platform, CricXtasy has tipped Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani for inclusion in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction.
Zimbabwe Chevrons lost by eight wickets to eventual champions New Zealand before losing by seven wickets to South Africa in the T20I Tri-Series 2025.
Despite Zimbabwe’s dismal performances, CricXtasy believes the duo could return to the internationally-acclaimed IPL. “Despite Zimbabwe’s drubbing, Muzarabani might attract some bids in the IPL 2026 auction.
His height and ability to extract bounce from the pitch caused trouble for New Zealand’s top order. The right-arm pacer managed just one wicket, but conceded runs at seven rpo. “Muzarabani could be a great backup overseas pacer for Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants too.
He was roped in as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi by the current IPL champions, but didn’t get a chance to play. His stocks could rise significantly if IPL franchises want to bet on an emerging overseas pacer,” wrote CricXtasy.
On Raza, the reputable Indian sports media platform singled him out arguably the best Zimbabwean cricketer in recent times.
“Raza amassed 84 runs in four matches, averaging 28. While he featured in just one IPL season, Raza holds the vast experience of playing in T20 leagues across the globe.
“The 39-year-old is fondly known for his crafty off-spin and smart batting. Teams like PBKS, where he has already impressed, can consider him as a replacement for Maxwell.
Gujarat Titans (GT) might look at him as a replacement for Glenn Phillips, who missed the last season due to injury,” said CricXtasy. Raza’s stint in the IPL began in 2023 when he was bought by the Punjab Kings.
He made his IPL debut on April 1, 2023, against the Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 16 runs and taking one wicket. A significant achievement in his IPL career was becoming the first Zimbabwean player to score a half-century in the IPL, with a 57-run innings against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 15, 2023, which also earned him the Player of the Match award.
Raza played for the Punjab Kings for two seasons, appearing in seven games in 2023 and two in 2024, accumulating 182 runs and 3 wickets. Fast bowler Muzarabani, on the other hand, became the first from his country to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025 with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He joined RCB as a temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi and, despite not playing in any matches during their title run, was part of the winning squad.
Muzarabani had previously worked with RCB coach Andy Flower at the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Gulf Giants in the ILT20, and also served as a net bowler for Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 IPL season.