Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed can face suspension for his recent racial comments to a South African cricketer Andile Phehlukwayo during the Durban ODI on last Tuesday (22 January).

It was the second ODI of the five-match ODI series between the hosts South Africa and the visiting side Pakistan where South Africa won by 5 wickets and levelled the series by 1-1 with three ODIs to go. Chasing down the 204-run target, South Africa was in deep trouble when they were battling on 80/5.

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Then Andile Phehlukwayo joined the crease with the no.3 batsman Rassie van der Dussen and provided an incredible unbroken 127-run partnership for the sixth wicket to clinch a remarkable victory. Earlier in that game, during the first innings, the 22-year-old right-arm pacer Phehlukwayo bagged four wickets as he had the bowling figures of 9.5-2-22-4.

Later, the left-handed batsman played the best ever knock in his professional career by remaining not out on 69 off 80 balls. He and Dussen (80*) provided a remarkable partnership to secure an unforgettable victory for the team. Phehlukwayo won the Player of the Match award for his brilliant all-round performances in that game.

During the 37th over of South African innings, when Phehlukwayo’s edge miss the stumps and he took a single, it was clearly heard through the stump mics that the Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was saying, “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj? (Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What prayer have you said today?)”

For that racial comment, Sarfraz has been slammed hugely. Later, he apologised publicly through his official Twitter account.

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However, Sarfraz is in serious danger to face suspension as he could be punished under the ICC code of conduct for player behaviour or the ICC’s anti-racism code.

Article 2.13 said, “This offence is not intended to cover any use of language that is likely to offend another person on the basis of their race, religion, gender, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin.

“Such conduct is prohibited under the ICC’s Anti-Racism Code and must be dealt with according to the procedures set out therein.”