Lahore Qalandars star all-rounder files complaint over racial abuse

Lahore Qalandars and Pakistan Super League (PSL) star all-rounder Sikandar Raza has filed a formal complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA), alleging racial abuse during a local cricket match in Zimbabwe.

The incident reportedly took place during a Vigne Cup match between Old Hararians and Rainbow Cricket Club at the Old Hararians Sports Club. Raza, who was playing for Old Hararians, claims that a coach from the opposing side made racial remarks towards him as he was leaving the field.

Speaking on the matter, Raza said, “I expect a full investigation. If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that things like this never happen again—to this or future generations.”

So far, HMCA has not issued an official response, but the complaint is expected to be reviewed soon.

Despite the controversy, Raza had an outstanding performance in the match. He scored 78 runs off just 56 balls, helping Old Hararians reach a huge total of 402 for 9 in their 50 overs. In reply, Rainbow Cricket Club could only manage 225 for 8 in 39 overs, losing by 142 runs through the DLS method.

This incident comes shortly after Raza’s successful campaign in the 2025 Pakistan Super League. He played a key role in Lahore Qalandars’ title win, hitting the winning runs in the final held in Lahore. Throughout the tournament, he scored 254 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 169.33, with two half-centuries. He also took 10 wickets with an economy rate of 7.75.

Earlier in 2025, Raza had also lifted the ILT20 trophy, making this his second franchise title of the year.