Sikandar Raza Assumes Seattle Orcas Captaincy

DALLAS: Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza was named as the new captain for the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (MLC) this Saturday, succeeding South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen.

This leadership change is part of a significant mid-season strategic realignment for the team, which has struggled, losing its initial five matches and sitting at the bottom of the standings.

The formal announcement of Raza’s appointment was issued by MLC on June 27, just before the Orcas faced MI New York in their sixth league game, a match they ultimately won on the final ball.

The team described these adjustments as integral to a larger strategy aimed at revitalizing their campaign.

The organization also verified that head coach Matthew Mott had left, attributing the split to ‘disagreements regarding coaching and management approaches.’ A replacement has not yet been identified.

While Raza’s appointment signals a fresh beginning, both he and Klaasen have experienced quiet periods with the bat.

Klaasen has accumulated only 55 runs across five innings with a strike rate of 144.73, while Raza has scored 35 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 85.36.

Despite consecutive disappointing seasons—Seattle also finished last in the 2024 MLC season—the franchise is relying on Raza’s extensive international experience and leadership skills to inspire a turnaround during the remaining matches.

Raza’s captaincy announcement follows his important contribution to Lahore Qalandars’ third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title.

He was essential in the PSL Season 10 final, where Lahore secured a six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in an electrifying contest.

Facing a challenging 202-run target, Lahore initiated aggressively, with young opener Mohammad Naeem delivering a remarkable 47 off 27 balls, including one four and six sixes.

Abdullah Shafique continued with a smooth 41 off 28 balls before Lahore encountered difficulties, reaching 115/3 in the 13th over.

As the required run rate increased beyond 10, middle-order batsmen Thisara Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa initially found it hard to score.

However, Raza revitalized the chase by forcefully hitting consecutive boundaries off Mohammad Amir, shifting the momentum back to Lahore.

Perera also performed well under pressure, achieving a quick half-century from 28 balls. With 13 runs required in the final over, Raza remained composed, securing the win with a four and a six, leaving one ball remaining.

Significantly, Raza had briefly left the PSL mid-season to represent Zimbabwe in a one-off Test against England in Nottingham but returned in time for the PSL final.