Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has issued an apology over his seemingly racist remarks towards South African cricketer Andile Phehlukwayo.
Sarfraz was caught passing an unbecoming comment in the direction of the Proteas all-rounder during the second ODI between South Africa and Pakistan at Durban on Tuesday, 22 January, videos of which were quickly circulated across social platforms – leading to widespread social media backlash against him.
In the line of fire, and potentially facing ICC sanctions, Sarfraz took to Twitter on Wednesday, 23 January to express his regret over his actions.
“I wish to extend my sincere apologies to any person who may have taken offence from my expression of frustration which was unfortunately caught by the stump mic during yesterday's game against SA. My words were not directed towards anyone in particular,” the Pakistan skipper wrote on his Twitter feed.
As Phehlukwayo took South Africa towards the finish line for a series-equalling win at Durban, Sarfraz was heard on the stump mic saying in the direction of the Proteas all-rounder, “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya padhwa ke aaye hai aaj?” (“Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What (prayer) have you got her to say today?”).
The second part of Sarfraz’s statement, however, suggested he was more apologetic about being caught than the nature of his comments.
“I certainly had no intention of upsetting anyone. I did not even mean for my words to be heard, understood or communicated to the opposing team or the cricket fans.”Sarfraz Ahmed
A first comment on the episode has also emerged from the South African side, with team manager Mohammed Moosajee saying that the match officials have taken note of the incident.
“The ICC and the match officials have noted the alleged incident. They have started the necessary procedures to investigate the matter. We can only comment once we have received the results of the investigation. Any further clarification/updates have to go through the ICC,” said Moosajee.
Sarfraz’s slur was not taken well by most observers, with commentators, journalists and fans alike criticising the Pakistan skipper’s behaviour and calling for strict action against him.
(With inputs from PTI)
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