Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE T20 skipper Sikandar Raza has accusedu Rainbow Cricket Club coach Blessing Mafuwa of hurling racial abuse during a heated Vigne Cup clash on June 1.
The alleged drama occurred at Old Hararians Sports Club when Raza, after smashing 78 runs, walked off the field citing muscle. According to Raza, a shocking verbal attack laced with racism followed.
“While I was leaving the field due to tightness, Mafuwa screamed and shouted at me. I asked him to be respectful but he continued abusing me,” Raza wrote in a formal complaint lodged with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association.
Raza, who has called Zimbabwe home for over two decades, said the most painful jibe came when Mafuwa allegedly shouted, “I can say whatever I want. I have a Zimbabwean passport, not a Pakistani passport like Raza. This is my land, not Pakistan!”
“I was subjected to racist remarks in front of jiunacceptable. I request stern action for this disgusting abuse,” the national captain added.
Mafuwa is hitting back, denying racial slurs and claiming Raza is simply bitter over being called out for dodging fielding duty.
“He batted and walked around fine, then suddenly said he’s injured. We waited for a physio who never showed up. Then he leaves the field and goes to chill with the boys on Field B,” Mafuwa fumed in a leaked audio.
He said the confrontation escalated in the car park after a youngster questioned Raza’s conduct.
“I told him he’s a role model and kids are watching. I did tell him to f-off when he drove off, yes, but I never said anything racist. He’s lying,” Mafuwa insisted.
The Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association has launched a probe into the ugly spat that’s shaken the local cricket scene.
Is this a case of toxic abuse or a cricketing clash gone too far? B-Metro will be watching.
Blessing Chizhande