Zimbabwe cricket is mourning the loss of a young life after the 13-year-old brother of national T20I captain Sikandar Raza, Muhammad Mahdi, passed away in Harare on December 29, 2025.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) in an official statement released on Wednesday. The board revealed that Mahdi had been living with haemophilia, a rare inherited medical condition that severely affects the body’s ability to clot blood, making even minor injuries potentially life-threatening.
According to ZC, Mahdi succumbed to recent health complications linked to the condition. He was laid to rest the following day at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare, surrounded by family and loved ones.
In its condolence message, Zimbabwe Cricket expressed deep sorrow and extended solidarity to Raza and his family during what it described as an immensely painful time.
“Zimbabwe Cricket extends its heartfelt condolences to Zimbabwe T20I Captain Sikandar Raza and his family following the untimely passing of his beloved younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi,” the statement read. “The ZC Board, Management, Players and Staff stand united with the Raza family in this moment of profound grief.”
The board also offered prayers for patience and strength for the bereaved family, concluding with a message wishing eternal peace for the departed soul.
Sikandar Raza, who is expected to lead Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, reacted quietly to the tragedy. The all-rounder retweeted Zimbabwe Cricket’s condolence message on social media, accompanying it with a broken-heart emoji—his only public response so far.
The cricketing community has since rallied around Raza, with fans and fellow players offering prayers and messages of support as he navigates this deeply personal loss.
