Zimbabwe T20I skipper Sikandar Raza has filed a proper complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA) against local coach Blessing Mafuwa for racially abusing him on June 1 during a domestic Vigne Cup game. The incident reportedly took place at Old Hararians Sports Club, where Raza was playing for Old Harrians against Rainbow Cricket Club.

The incident occurred while he was leaving the field following his batting innings, Raza told the paper. Though he did not name the coach in his complaint, HMCA chairperson Tafadzwa Madoro assured ESPNcricinfo that the suspect was Rainbow's coach, Blessing Mafuwa.

"We were informed of racial abuse that our T20 captain [Raza] endured last week," said Madoro. "We are investigating. Blessing Mafuwa will face a hearing next Tuesday. In the meantime, he is suspended from all activities in the HMCA." The HMCA has made it unequivocally clear that it will not stand for any kind of racial abuse. Madoro ensured that the issue was being treated with the highest seriousness and urgency.

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Raza Demands Accountability After Alleged Racist Abuse Amid Stellar Run of Form

Raza, who is one of the best and most outspoken cricketers from Zimbabwe, was disappointed at what had happened and called for a proper probe. “If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that stuff like this never happens again to this and future generations,” he said. Despite the row, Raza played one of his best games, scoring 78 off 56 balls to assist Old Hararians in piling up a huge 402 for 9 in 50 overs. Rainbow Cricket Club replied with 225 for 8 in 39 overs before rain interrupted the play. Old Hararians won by 142 runs through the DLS system.

Raza's current form has been nothing less than incredible. He has already won two franchise T20 titles in 2025, first the ILT20 and more recently the Pakistan Super League, where he hit the winning runs for Lahore Qalandars in a thrilling final. While the cricket world praised Raza's playing heroics, the off-field controversy has once again brought into focus long-existing racism issues in sport. In anticipation of its next disciplinary hearing, everyone will be watching to see how the association meets this delicate and serious situation.