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Zimbabwean all-rounder and Lahore Qalandars’ star Sikandar Raza has filed a formal complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA), alleging racial abuse by a local coach during a Vigne Cup fixture between Old Hararians and Rainbow Cricket Club.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Old Hararians Sports Club, where Raza, representing Old Hararians, claims he was racially abused by a coach from the opposing camp as he walked off the field.
The veteran cricketer did not hold back in demanding strong action.
“I expect a full investigation,” Raza stated. “If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that stuff like this never happens again to this and future generations.”
At the time of reporting, HMCA had yet to issue an official statement regarding the complaint.
The abuse allegations came on a day when Sikandar Raza once again reminded everyone of his class with the bat. He smashed a brilliant 78 off 56 balls, helping Old Hararians pile up a staggering 402 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Rainbow Cricket Club, in response, could only manage 225 for 8 in 39 overs, falling short by 142 runs via the DLS method. The result was emphatic, but the day ended on a sour note due to the incident off the field.
The timing of this controversy is all the more jarring considering Raza is coming off a high from his recent heroics in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.
He was instrumental in Lahore Qalandars’ title-winning campaign, finishing the season with 254 runs at an explosive strike rate of 169.33, including two fifties, and picking up 10 wickets at an economy of 7.75.
This was Raza’s second franchise title of the year, having earlier lifted the trophy in the 2025 edition of the ILT20, underlining his value as one of the most impactful T20 all-rounders on the circuit.
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