Sikandar Raza Faces Massive Personal Setback Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe's T20I team captain Sikandar Raza suffered a huge personal loss ahead of the much-awaited T20I World Cup 2026. The star cricketer will be seen leading the side in the major event and the team has also started preparing for it.

Raza is a renowned cricketer and probably one of the best all-rounders in the world. But it has become pretty difficult for the Zimbabwe all-rounder to manage the preparation after going through a painful emotional phase.

Sikandar Raza Brother Passes Away at 13

The reason behind this suffering is the passing away of his younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi, at the age of just 13. Zimbabwe cricket itself confirmed the news on Wednesday. Sikandar Raza younger brother, Nadi, passed away on Monday, December 29, as he was born with a rare medical condition, haemophilia, that affects the blood’s ability to clot.

“Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) extends its heartfelt condolences to Zimbabwe T20I Captain Sikandar Raza and his family following the untimely passing of his beloved younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi, who died on 29 December 2025 in Harare at the age of 13.” Zimbabwe Cricket posted on Instagram on Wednesday.

“Muhammad Mahdi was born with haemophilia and sadly lost his life due to recent health complications. He was laid to rest on 30 December 2025 at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare,” they continued.

“The ZC Board, Management, Players and Staff stand united in solidarity with Sikandar Raza and his family during this profoundly difficult time,” they further added.

Sikandar Raza younger brother death has come at a time when Zimbabwe are preparing for the T20 World Cup 2026. Many fans in the comment section also expressed their condolences to Sikandar Raza, offering support and sympathy for his personal loss. The news of Sikandar Raza brother death is a tragic news for the cricketing fraternity.

Sikandar Raza Prepares for T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe are taking part in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 where they will face some of the best cricket teams in the world. They are placed in Group B with the other four teams - Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Oman. They will play their first match against Oman on February 9, which can be said to be their only easy clash in the group.

However, with Sikandar Raza by their side, who recently made headlines by becoming the No. 1-ranked T20I all-rounder in the world. He achieved this milestone during the recently concluded T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where he contributed with both bat and ball. However, currently the spot is held by Pakistan's Saim Ayub, while Raza is in the second position.

Zimbabwe missed the T20 World Cup 2024 as they failed to qualify for the tournament. However, they made sure to qualify for the tournament this time around. Under Raza, they will be hoping to surprise a few teams in the tournament.