Dubai: Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been suspended for four matches over his racist comments against South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, the ICC said, Sunday.
Sarfaraz accepted that he was in breach of ICC’s anti-racism code for participants following an incident that occurred Tuesday during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban.
The 31-year-old will miss the remaining two matches of the ongoing ODI series against South Africa as well as the first two matches of the T20 series, starting February 1. It must be stated here that Sarfaraz had personally apologised Thursday to Phehlukwayo
“The ICC has a zero-tolerance policy towards conduct of this nature. Sarfaraz has promptly admitted the offence, was regretful of his actions and has issued a public apology, so these factors were taken into account when determining an appropriate sanction,” said ICC chief executive David Richardson.
Sarfaraz was caught on the stump microphone making an alleged racist remark in Urdu language towards Phehlukwayo in the 37th over of South Africa’s innings.
“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)?” Sarfaraz had said.
“As per Article 7.3 of the anti-racism code, Sarfaraz will also have to undergo an education programme to promote the understanding and awareness of issues directly relevant to the offence that he has committed,” the ICC said.
PTI
