Zimbabwe’s T20 international captain Sikandar Raza has filed a formal complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA), alleging he was racially abused by local coach Blessing Mafuwa during a Vigne Cup fixture on June 1.
The incident occurred at Old Hararians Sports Club, where Raza was representing Old Hararians against Rainbow Cricket Club. According to the complaint viewed by ESPNcricinfo, the alleged abuse took place as Raza was walking off the field after scoring a commanding 78 off 56 balls. His side posted 402 for 9 in 50 overs before defeating Rainbow by 142 runs via the DLS method, who managed 225 for 8 in 39 overs.
Although Raza did not name Mafuwa in the complaint, HMCA chairperson Tafadzwa Madoro confirmed the coach’s identity and said disciplinary proceedings had been initiated.
Coach suspended as HMCA begins investigation
HMCA has suspended Mafuwa from all association activities pending a formal hearing.
“We received a report of racial abuse that our T20 captain [Raza] suffered, last week. We are in the process of investigating. 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 told ESPNcricinfo.
He stressed HMCA’s zero-tolerance approach to racism:
“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.”
Raza calls for accountability and lasting change
Raza, who has become one of Zimbabwe’s most high-profile cricket figures, called for the matter to be taken seriously and handled transparently.
“A full investigation,” Raza told ESPNcricinfo, is what he expects from HMCA.
He added:
“If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that stuff like this never happens again to this and future generations.”
Franchise success highlights Raza’s global stature
The incident comes during a high point in Raza’s career. The Zimbabwean allrounder recently clinched the 2025 Pakistan Super League title with Lahore Qalandars, sealing the victory by hitting the winning runs in a dramatic final. Earlier in the year, he also captured the ILT20 trophy, making it his second T20 franchise title of the season.
As Zimbabwe’s T20I captain and a decorated franchise player, Raza’s influence carries weight across the cricketing world. His decision to formally report the alleged racial abuse has drawn widespread attention — and placed pressure on local cricket bodies to address misconduct swiftly and decisively.
