Reports: Sikandar Raza accuses the head coach of Rainbow Cricket Club of racist insults and files a complaint against him

Sikandar Raza, the captain of Zimbabwe’s Twenty20 International team, has officially complained to the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association about racist taunts he received during a recent Vigne Cup play. According to reports, the event happened while the seasoned all-rounder was representing his team in a local match.

Reports from the local media state that Sikandar Raza was subjected to racial abuse as he was leaving the pitch. Blessing Mafuwa, the head coach of Rainbow Cricket Club, is accused of making the alleged discriminatory comments specifically to the 39-year-old.

Sikandar Raza has apparently received backing from on-the-ground witnesses in the regrettable ordeal.

The Sialkot native has now called for the head coach of the Rainbow Cricket Club to face severe and suitable consequences, emphasising that racism and similar actions have no place in Zimbabwe cricket.

“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,” Adam Theo, a journalist from Zimbabwe, said on “X.”

“Blessing Mafuwa, the head coach of Rainbow Cricket Club, is known to have made racist remarks against Raza as he was leaving the pitch. He has called for a harsh penalty. Investigations are under progress. Racism has no place in Zimbabwe Cricket,” he continued.

Take a look at this post:

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

Raza is a true cricket icon in Zimbabwe. His multi-format contributions to the African side are outstanding. In addition to his contributions with the bat and ball, he has encouraged thousands of aspiring cricket players in Zimbabwe to take up the game.

Raza has represented Zimbabwe in 105 T20Is, 151 ODIs, and 19 Test matches. In the three formats, he has amassed 1353, 4325, and 2403 runs, respectively. At the same time, he has taken 39, 93, and 81 wickets with the ball. Only three cricket players from Zimbabwe have participated in the IPL, including Raza. In the lucrative league, he has made nine appearances, more than any other Zimbabwean.