Sarfraz Ahmed apologises over his 'expression of frustration'
Pakistan captain said his words were not directed towards anyone in particular
January 23, 2019
ISLAMABAD: Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed on Wednesday extended apology over his uncalled-for racist remarks in the second one-day international against South Africa in Durban.
Sarfraz was heard making a comment in Urdu about Andile Phehlukwayo during the South African all-rounder´s match-winning partnership with Rassie van der Dussen. The remark was picked up by a stump microphone.
In a series of tweets, the skipper said: "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."
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The Pakistan captain said that his words were not directed towards anyone in particular.
"I did not even mean for my words to be heard, understood or communicated to the opposing team or the cricket fans. I have in the past and will continue in future to appreciate the camaraderie of my fellow cricketers from across the globe and will always respect and honour them on and off the field," he stated.
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During the 37th over of South Africa's chase in the second ODI on Tuesday, Sarfraz was caught on the stump mics taunting South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo, in Urdu: "Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?” which translated to, "Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What [prayer] have you got her to say for you today?"
The Pakistan Cricket Board in its statement released on Wednesday expressed its regret over the incident.
“The PCB expresses regret over the remark made by their captain Sarfraz Ahmed and picked up by the stump mic during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban," it said, "the PCB neither endorses nor supports any comments that have the potential to cause offence, and firmly reiterates their zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments made; in whatever context,” the board said.
There was no immediate comment from the ICC.
In the post-match presentation, man of the match Phehlukwayo seemed relaxed about having been the target of several comments by Pakistan players. "It was good chat," he said.
Whether or not Sarfraz faces any action, his team is likely to face a sterner challenge in the remaining three matches with wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock and fast bowler Dale Steyn added to the home squad after being rested for the first two matches.
Left-arm fast bowler Beuran Hendricks, who has played in Twenty20 internationals but not in one-day internationals, was also added to the squad.
Heinrich Klaasen, Dane Paterson and Duanne Olivier dropped out.
Remaining matches:
January 25, Centurion
January 27, Johannesburg
January 30, Cape Town
