Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza looked very sad for not qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) in support of Associate nations over 10-team World Cup.

During the post-match presentation of the CWC finals, where Raza was adjudged as the man of the Series award, the 31-year-old stated he was not happy receiving the award and affirmed it was a gloomy warning that he could not represent his nation at the next years World Cup. He also apologized to his fans for ending their World Cup hopes.

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Talking about the same, Sikander said, “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.”

I've never heard a player from a Full Member nation stand up for the Associate cause and rail against the 10-team World Cup in 2019 with such fierce emotion as Sikandar Raza did just now, that too with David Richardson standing 20 feet away. Must watch speech. Bravo @SRazaB24. pic.twitter.com/mxmiZA46JF

— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) March 25, 2018

Pointing out the other nations who could not make it to the World Cup, Raza acknowledged that all of them had the capability to perform during next years event. He 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.”

My sincere apologies for not mentioning @purdy34 and the boys from @Irelandcricket
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

— Sikandar Raza (@SRazaB24) March 25, 2018

Sikander concluded by congratiulating Nepal for securing ODI status, he said, “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.”