Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed suspended for four matches by ICC
What's the story
Pakistan cricket team captain, Sarfraz Ahmed, has been banned for four matches by the ICC after he made 'racist' comments, which were directed at South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo. The incident occurred during the second ODI between these two teams in Durban. Sarfraz's controversial comments were picked up by a stump microphone. Post the match, he had apologized for his comments. Here's what went down.
Information
Sarfraz breached ICC's Anti-Racism Code for Participants
The Pakistan skipper breached the ICC's Anti-Racism Code for Participants. He will miss the remaining two matches of the ongoing ODI series. The senior cricketer will also sit out of the first two matches of the T20I series next.
Comments
Here's what Sarfraz said during the second ODI
The senior cricketer was heard making comments in Urdu about Phehlukwayo. The all-rounder played an important role after stitching a match-winning partnership with Rassie van der Dussen to help SA level the series. According to ESPN, the comment, translated in English, read: "Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What [prayer] have you got her to say for you today?"
Apology
My words were not directed towards anyone, said Sarfraz
The Pakistani skipper took to Twitter to apologize for his comments. He wrote, "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. I certainly had no intention of upsetting anyone."
Racism in cricket
Some of the ghastly racist incidents in cricket
In 2006 when South Africa toured Sri Lanka, cricketer turned commentator Dean Jones had called Hashim Amla a terrorist. Jones lost his commentary stint with Ten Sports. Former Zimbabwe cricketer Prosper Utseya had accused Alistair Campbell of preferring white people. Mark Vermeulen had responded to the allegations by referring to black people as "apes". He was banned from all cricket activities.