Zimbabwe men’s cricket team T20I captain Sikandar Raza has suffered a personal tragedy with the passing of his 13-year-old brother, Muhammad Mahdi.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed the news, stating that Mahdi passed away on December 29, 2025, in Harare.
He was born with haemophilia, a medical condition that severely reduces the blood’s ability to clot, leading to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries. According to the board, Mahdi died due to recent health complications related to the condition.
In its official statement, ZC said Mahdi was laid to rest on December 30, 2025, at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare.
In its message, Zimbabwe Cricket expressed sympathy and support for Raza and his family during what it described as a profoundly difficult time.
The board, along with its management, players, and staff, conveyed their condolences and offered prayers for strength and comfort for the family, while wishing peace for Mahdi.
Sikandar Raza, who is set to lead Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, reacted briefly to the news by retweeting ZC’s statement and adding a broken heart emoji.