Racism bomb explodes in Zimbabwe Cricket as Sikandar Raza lodges complaint against coach

Zimbabwe T20I captain Sikandar Raza has lodged an official complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association, alleging racist abuse during a recent Vigne Cup match. The incident reportedly unfolded during a local game where Sikandar Raza was representing his club.

According to local media reports, Raza faced abuse when he was walking off the field. It is being said that Rainbow Cricket Club’s head coach, Blessing Mafuwa, made the alleged racist remarks directly toward the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team captain and star all-rounder.

Sikandar Raza files racism complaint after facing abuse during local match

Witnesses on the ground have also reportedly backed Raza’s claim. Now, Raza has demanded that strict and appropriate action be taken against the Rainbow Cricket Club’s head coach, citing that there is no place for such behavior and racism in Zimbabwe Cricket.

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The Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association has confirmed receiving the complaint and has launched a full investigation into the matter.

It is also reported that the club officials have already begun speaking to players, umpires, and others who were present during the match to gather detailed evidence on the matter.

New: As per local reports this morning, Zimbabwe T20I captain Sikandar Raza has lodged a formal complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association alleging racist abuse taking place against him in a recent Vigne Cup Match.

It is understood that Rainbow Cricket Club Head… pic.twitter.com/hbnZeRAzVv

— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) June 8, 2025

When Sikandar Raza’s whirlwind journey ended in PSL 2025 glory

Last month, Raza made the headlines for arriving at the stadium just 10 minutes before the toss in the PSL 2025. The Zimbabwe all-rounder arrived at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore just 10 minutes before the toss after flying in all the way from England for the PSL 2025 final.

Less than 24 hours earlier, he was playing a Test match in Nottingham. His long journey took him through Birmingham, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and finally Lahore. Despite the fatigue, the 39-year-old delivered for the Lahore franchise with the bat.

Coming in during the final overs, Raza smashed 22 runs from just 7 balls, staying unbeaten and hitting the winning boundary with only one ball to spare. The crowd erupted as he guided Lahore Qalandars to a six-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators, winning their third PSL title. They had won the trophy in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

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Sikandar Raza's journey in numbers

The Pakistan-born Sikandar Raza is one of the household names in the franchise cricket world. Raza has already smashed over 6000 runs and scalped 180 wickets in 292 T20 matches. The star all-rounder has also represented Zimbabwe in 19 Tests, 151 ODIs, and 105 T20Is so far.

Raza has around 7800 runs and around 200 wickets to his name in international cricket. He was recently part of Zimbabwe’s four-day Test match against England and scored 7 and 70 runs during his team’s massive defeat last month. The all-rounder has been preparing for the Test series against South Africa at home, starting on June 28.

Zimbabwe will host South Africa in the first Test at the Queens Club from 28 June to 2 July, with the second and final scheduled at the same venue from 6 to 10 July. South Africa, who are set to face Australia in the WTC Final 2025, have already named their squad for the upcoming Test series in Zimbabwe. The hosts are yet to name their squad for the Test series.