Sikandar Raza Files Racism Complaint with Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association

Zimbabwe cricket star Sikandar Raza has officially lodged a complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA), alleging racial abuse by local coach Blessing Mafuwa during a Vigne Cup match played on June 1 at Old Hararians Sports Club.

The incident occurred while Raza was representing Old Hararians against Rainbow Cricket Club. According to the complaint, Raza was subjected to derogatory comments from Mafuwa as he was leaving the field after his innings.

ESPNcricinfo reviewed the complaint and confirmed that while Raza did not initially name Mafuwa, HMCA chairperson Tafadzwa Madoro later identified him publicly. Madoro stated that the association is treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

“We received a report of racial abuse that our T20 captain [Raza] suffered last week. We are in the process of investigating,” Madoro said. “Blessing Mafuwa will attend a hearing this coming Tuesday. He will answer charges from the report. In the interim, he is suspended from all activities in the HMCA.”

Madoro further emphasized: “We don’t take racism allegations lightly. We don’t condone any racial abuse in HMCA. We will want to investigate this as quickly as possible.”

Speaking about the incident, Raza expressed hope for a thorough and fair process. “I expect a full investigation,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that stuff like this never happens again to this and future generations.”

During the match in question, Raza played a starring role, scoring 78 runs off 56 balls to help his side post a formidable total of 402 for 9 in 50 overs. In response, Rainbow Cricket Club could only manage 225 for 8 in 39 overs, resulting in a 142-run victory for Old Hararians under the DLS method.

The incident comes at a time when Raza is riding high in his cricketing career. He recently clinched the PSL 2025 title with Lahore Qalandars, sealing the championship with the winning runs in a thrilling final in Lahore. This triumph added to his growing list of accolades in 2025, having also lifted the ILT20 trophy earlier in the year.

The racial abuse complaint is now set to be addressed by HMCA’s disciplinary process, with all eyes on Tuesday’s hearing. The outcome could set a significant precedent in Zimbabwean domestic cricket, as the association seeks to reinforce its stance against racism and uphold standards of conduct within the game.

For Raza, a player celebrated not only for his on-field exploits but also for his leadership and sportsmanship, the hope remains that this incident will lead to greater awareness and stronger measures against discrimination in cricket.