Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean cricket captain, is struck by an immense personal tragedy as his younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi, has passed away at the age of 13 in Harare. The news has deeply saddened the cricketing community around the world, with players, officials and fans expressing solidarity with the all-rounder and his family.
Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the devastating news and shared an official statement on social media, the board while expressing deep sorrow, through an official statement released on social media said that, “Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) extends its heartfelt condolences to Zimbabwe T20I Captain Sikandar Raza and his family in light of the untimely passing of his cherished younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi, who departed this life on 29 December 2025 in Harare, at the tender age of 13. Muhammad Mahdi was born with the serious medical condition haemophilia, and unfortunately lost his life due to recent and severe health complications,” it read. ZC added that he was laid to rest the following day, stating, “He was laid to rest on 30 December 2025 at Warren Hills Cemetery located in Harare.”
𝗭𝗖 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝘇𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) extends its heartfelt condolences to Zimbabwe T20I Captain Sikandar Raza and his family following the untimely passing of his beloved… pic.twitter.com/CVCBwVntEi
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 31, 2025
Zimbabwe Cricket extended support to Sikandar Raza
The board extended its support to Sikandar Raza snd his grieving family and further said that, “The entire ZC Board, Management, Players, and Staff stand united in unwavering solidarity with Sikandar Raza and his grieving family during this profoundly challenging time,” the board said. It concluded with a prayer, adding, “We pray that Allah grants them comfort and strength to endure this loss, and may Muhammad Mahdi’s soul rest peacefully in eternal tranquility.”
Raza acknowledged the condolence message on social media with a broken heart emoji. The tragedy has struck Raza when he is in a demanding phase of his career. He is expected to feature in franchise cricket and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin in February.
