In a shocking event, Zimbabwean T20 skipper Sikandar Raza has filed a formal racism complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA) against a local coach following an incident during a recent domestic match.
Investigation underway after Sikandar Raza faces alleged racial abuse
The incident took place during a domestic game between Old Hararians and Rainbow Cricket Club at the Old Hararians Sports Club. The alleged racist remarks were made as Raza was walking off the field, inflicted by opposition coach Blessing Mafuwa. The news emerged on social media and sent shockwaves, with fans demanding swift and transparent action against the alleged perpetrators.
Meanwhile HMCA chairperson Tafadzwa Madoro confirmed that they received a report regarding racial abuse directed at T20 captain Raza last week. They are currently investigating the matter, and Mafuwa, the accused, is set to attend a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday. Until then, Mafuwa has been suspended from all HMCA-related activities.
“We received a report of racial abuse that our T20 captain (Sikandar 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. 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,” Madoro was quoted as saying by the ESPNcricinfo.
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Zimbabwe’s T20I skipper Sikandar Raza demands for strong action
Meanwhile Raza, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, strongly said that if Mafuwa is found guilty, strict action should be taken to set a strong example and ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future.
“If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that stuff like this never happens again to this and future generations,” Raza said.
Raza has been a prominent batting all-rounder in the shortest format of the game. Known for his explosive batting and effective off-spin, Raza has featured in several T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 292 T20 matches, he has scored over 6,000 runs at a strike rate of approximately 137. With the ball, he has also made a strong impact, claiming 180 wickets, including a five-wicket haul highlighting his value as a genuine all-rounder.
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