On Wednesday, the Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed issued a public apology for his on-field racist comments against South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo due to which he received immense flak from all parts of the world.
During the 37th over of South Africa’s chase when Phehlukwayo inside-edged a Shaheen Afridi delivery for a single, Sarfraz said, “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj (Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What have you got her to say for you today)?” The all-rounder on 50 at the time and as he ran off to the non-striker’s end, Sarfraz was caught on the stump mic hurling the racial taunts.
WATCH – Sarfraz Ahmed went angry on Bilal Asif
The Pakistan captain took to Twitter to issue a public apology in a series of tweets. He 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.”
1/2 – 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 and…
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019
He further added, “My words were not directed towards anyone in particular and 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.”
2/3 – 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. I have in the past and will continue in future to appreciate the camaraderie of my fellow cricketers from…
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019
He also said, “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 honor them on and off the field.”
3/3 – …across the globe and will always respect and honour them on and off the field.
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019
The Pakistan Cricket Board also expressed concerns over Sarfraz’s comments.
PCB’s statement read: “The PCB expresses regret over the remark made by their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and picked up by the stump mic during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban. The PCB neither endorses nor supports any comments that have the potential to cause offense, and firmly reiterates their zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments made; in whatever context.”
ALSO READ: Sarfraz Ahmed Receives Tremendous Flak For His Racist Comments
South African team manager Mohammed Moosajee said that the match officials have taken note of the incident.
The manager said, “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.”
