PAK CAPTAIN SARFRAZ MAKES RACIST COMMENT, APOLOGISES
NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain and wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed could be in trouble after the stump microphone caught him mouthing a racist comment at South Africa batsman Andile Phehlukwayo during Tuesday’s five-wicket loss against the Proteas in the second ODI in Durban. As Phehlukwayo got to the non-striker’s end, Sarfraz was heard saying: “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?”
NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain and wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed could be in trouble after the stump microphone caught him mouthing a racist comment at South Africa batsman Andile Phehlukwayo during Tuesday’s five-wicket loss against the Proteas in the second ODI in Durban.
Sarfraz could face some form of censure from ICC. The incident took place in the 37th over, after Phehlukwayo inside-edged Shaheen Afridi for a single. The previous over, he had reviewed a leg before decision and then was dropped. As Phehlukwayo got to the non-striker’s end, Sarfraz was heard saying: “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?” Translated from Urdu, it means “Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What prayer have you got her to say for you today?”
Racial abuse is a punishable offence in all major sports. It assumes bigger significance in South Africa in the post-apartheid era. Sarfraz could be charged under the ICC Code of Conduct or Anti-Racism Code. “The ICC and match officials have noted the alleged incident. They have started the necessary procedures to investigate the matter,” SA manager Mohammed Moosajee has said.
The ICC Code of Conduct rule ‘covers the use of words commonly known and understood to be offensive, obscene and/or profane and which can be heard by the spectators and/or the viewing public, whether by way of the stump microphone or otherwise. This conduct may include, for example, swearing in frustration at one’s own play or fortune.’
Sarfraz tweeted his apology on Wednesday, denying the comment was aimed at the batsman. Brief scores:Pakistan 203 in 45.5 overs (H Ali 59, A Phehlukwayo 4/22) lost to SA 207/5 in 42 overs (V Dussen 80*, A Phehlukwayo 69*) by five wickets.