Zimbabwe Star Sikandar Raza Alleges Racial Abuse During Vigne Cup Match, Files Official Complaint
Calls for Full Investigation and Accountability from Harare Cricket Authorities
Harare, June 9: Zimbabwe’s cricket stalwart Sikandar Raza has filed an official complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA) after allegedly being subjected to racial abuse during a Vigne Cup match on June 1. The incident reportedly occurred at the Old Hararians Sports Club, where Raza was playing for Old Hararians against Rainbow Cricket Club.
According to Raza, the abuse came from a coach affiliated with one of the teams, and it happened as he was walking off the field after a powerful innings. The all-rounder has urged authorities to take strict action. “If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that stuff like this never happens again — not to this generation and not to the next,” Raza told ESPNcricinfo.
The HMCA has yet to release an official statement, though the complaint has been formally lodged, prompting calls for a full investigation into the matter.
Despite the disturbing incident, Raza delivered a stellar performance, scoring 78 runs off 56 balls, helping Old Hararians post a formidable 402/9 in 50 overs. Rainbow Cricket Club, chasing under the DLS method, managed 225/8 in 39 overs, falling short by 142 runs.
Raza’s recent form has been outstanding in both domestic and international circuits. In 2025, he played a key role in Lahore Qalandars' Pakistan Super League (PSL) title victory, scoring the winning runs in a tense final. That triumph marked his second T20 franchise trophy this year, after winning the International League T20 (ILT20) title earlier.
A mainstay in Zimbabwean cricket, Raza has represented his country in 19 Tests, 151 ODIs, and 105 T20Is, amassing 1353, 4325, and 2403 runs, respectively, along with 39, 93, and 81 wickets across the formats. Notably, he is among only three Zimbabweans to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and holds the record for most IPL appearances (9) by a Zimbabwean player.
Raza’s complaint has sparked serious concerns about conduct within local Zimbabwean cricket and raised questions about the league’s ability to ensure a safe, respectful playing environment. If confirmed, the incident would mark a troubling chapter for a sport built on the spirit of fairness and inclusivity.
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