The global cricket community is united in grief following a deeply personal tragedy for Zimbabwe's T20I captain, Sikandar Raza. His younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi, passed away earlier this week, sending shockwaves through the sport's fraternity in Zimbabwe and beyond.
A Heartbreaking Announcement from Zimbabwe Cricket
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) issued an official statement confirming the devastating news. The statement revealed that Muhammad Mahdi died in Harare on 29 December 2025. He was just 13 years old. The young boy was born with haemophilia, a serious medical condition, and succumbed to recent, severe health complications.
He was laid to rest the following day, on 30 December 2025, at the Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare. In its message, ZC expressed that its entire board, management, players, and staff stand in solidarity with Raza and his family during this profoundly difficult period. The statement concluded with prayers for strength and for the eternal peace of Muhammad Mahdi's soul.
Sikandar Raza, visibly heartbroken, responded to the official condolence message on social media with a simple yet poignant broken heart emoji, reflecting the depth of his loss.
Personal Grief Amidst a Pivotal Career Phase
This profound personal loss strikes Raza at a crucial juncture in his professional cricket career. The all-rounder was recently in action for the Sharjah Warriorz in the ILT20 2025 tournament. His performance was notable, featuring in 10 matches where he scored 171 runs and claimed 10 wickets, further cementing his status as a premier all-rounder in the T20 format.
However, the cricketer now faces the immense challenge of navigating his grief while preparing for one of the most significant assignments of his career. Raza is slated to lead Zimbabwe in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which begins in February. As the cornerstone and leader of the national side, his form and mindset will be vital for Zimbabwe's campaign on the world stage.
Global Support for the Grieving Family
The news has resonated across international borders, with fans, fellow players, and cricket boards extending their thoughts and prayers. The struggle of Muhammad Mahdi, who battled haemophilia from birth, adds a layer of poignant context to the family's loss.
While the road ahead is undeniably tough for Sikandar Raza, the unwavering support from the global cricketing family offers a semblance of solace. All attention now is on providing the space and respect the captain and his family need during this period of mourning, even as the countdown to the T20 World Cup 2026 continues.
