The Pakistan skipper, Sarfraz Ahmed recent future seems to be in jeopardy as recently he uttered objectionable words against a South African player during the second ODI in Durban on Tuesday. The wicket-keeper was heard on the stump mic calling Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo a “black man” after the latter got saved from getting bowled in a close encounter during the chase at Kingsmead.
Phehlukwayo single-handedly won the game for his team by first taking four wickets for 22 runs and then playing his career-best knock of 69* to bail South Africa out of trouble. Eventually, the hosts overhauled a modest target of 204 with five wickets to spare.
WATCH – Sarfraz Ahmed Passes Racist Comments On Andile Phehlukwayo
Ahmed, who was one among one the scalps of the fast bowler, could not hide his frustration after the latter went past a lucky escape and taunted him as a “black man” and sought to know what prayer his mother was doing for him.
Here’s the video:
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed is at risk of a suspension after stump mics caught him over these racial comments https://t.co/BfZuHwhDOc pic.twitter.com/z4LwhSwuFR
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) January 23, 2019
Sarfaraz is expected to face a serious punishment of getting suspended for four Tests if his conduct is found to breach the anti-racism code of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He could be reported to the international governing body by an umpire or match referee involved in the game, the team manager of the CEO of Cricket South Africa or the ICC chief Dave Richardson himself who is a former Proteas cricketer.
WATCH – Sarfraz Ahmed went angry on Bilal Asif
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his utter disappointment over Ahmed’s actions and advised him to apologize for his words. Even Ahmed’s compatriot Rameez Raja, who was commentating when the incident happened, avoided translating the same to his fellow commentators knowing how embarrassing it would be. In a video tweet, Akhtar said, “It is absolutely unacceptable as a Pakistani. I think he (Sarfraz) did it in the heat of the moment but he should apologize.”
Sarfraz must explain himself to Media & public regarding his comments to batsman.. pic.twitter.com/Ocx74ry4IW
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) January 23, 2019
Meanwhile, Twitterati was visibly angry with the Pakistan captain’s words and wanted him to be immediately banned for his racist remarks for Phehlukwayo.
An absolute shocker from an international cricket team captain. That he's been too vocal/harsh on his players is one thing, but to say all this? Unacceptable. This cannot go unnoticed. #SAvPAK #PAKvSA https://t.co/mrIDK0z9r9
— Devarchit (@Devarchit) January 22, 2019
Sarfaraz Ahmed might be in hot water after this. Looks like a case of racism towards Andile Phehlukwayo – I don't understand what's being said, but everyone on the TL seems to be convinced that Sarf was being racist. Unacceptable & disgusting if so! #SAvPAK #sscricket #Proteas https://t.co/1oxudNLFuC
— thecricketblog (@thecricblogger) January 22, 2019
Sounds like Sarfaraz was following the #AUSvIND series very closely and got carried away with the chat. This could have massive ramifications though.
(Not often do you have Rameez tongue-tied either)#SAvPAK https://t.co/XcluBPqe03
— Suneer (@suneerchowdhary) January 22, 2019
This is stupid from Sarfraz on so many levels. First, calling Andile that is pure racist. Second, he said that right in front of the stump mic. Third, he is the captain of the side. https://t.co/2jrlanoIS8
— Shubh AggarWall (@shubh_chintak) January 22, 2019
This is absolutely unacceptable, and ridiculously disappointing that the twitterverse is finding this funny.
Time to #SayNoToRacism once and for all in cricket. @ICC, take notice.
— 1 Tip 1 Hand (Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast) (@1tip1hand) January 22, 2019
This is not sledging or banter. Outright racist.
I hope @ICC and @TheRealPCB does the right thing, pull @SarfarazA_54 up and suspend him.#PAKvSA @docwas @parthaskar @inzyrashid @MrAmmokhan https://t.co/kXU9Ifiu45— Reza Zaidi (@Rezaidi) January 22, 2019
Imagine the captain of a country says such racist things. Reflects very poorly on the team and overall.
ICC & PCB should look at taking some strict action against Sarfraz. This isn't done.
— Clive (@vanillawallah) January 22, 2019
Clear cut racism by @TheRealPCB captain @SarfarazA_54. @ICC Take appropriate action and set an example! @AlistairICC @ICCMediaComms @icc https://t.co/hut6W9F5m3
— Preet Shah (@preet_abd17) January 22, 2019
Well, Rameez clearly heard it https://t.co/K4C5dc8Ztu
— Nadir Hassan (@Nadir_Hassan) January 22, 2019
Strong action should be taken against the Pakistani skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed. I know they don't understand Pakistani language but abusing any player is against the Spirit of the game. #SAvPAK https://t.co/MsK2TTYQFY
— Manoj Ghimire (@themanojgh) January 22, 2019
Ramiz is like it's a big long sentence. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/hS5RrAmIKz
— Mingichavu (@legsidestrangle) January 22, 2019
This isn’t funny. Its pathetic and racist. https://t.co/J3OeIW4CuR
— Osman Samiuddin (@OsmanSamiuddin) January 22, 2019
Listen to this. He’s the captain. Absolutely unacceptable. Ban this racist @ICC pic.twitter.com/YnhwU7aNN5
— Jitender Singh (@j_dhillon6) January 22, 2019
I am all for banter, confrontations etc, but racism is unacceptable. There is a need to educate players, fans about this.
— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) January 22, 2019
Hope someone in @TheRealPCB calls up captain @SarfarazA_54 for (apparently) using racial slurs. That's absolutely unacceptable.
— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) January 22, 2019
Sarfraz to Pehuhlukwayo: "abbay kaale teri Ammi kahan bethi hoyi hain aaj, kya parhwa kay aaya hai aaj." 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/svIlnqGhbf
— Hassan (@iamhassan9) January 22, 2019
