Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has been handed a four match ban for breach of the ICC’s Anti Racism code following his racists comments in the 2nd ODI against South Africa at Durban on Tuesday. Sarfraz had earlier made a comment aimed at South African all rounder Andile Phehlukwayo which resulted in him being charged with the anti-racisim code. The Pakistan skipper will be missing the last 2 ODIs of the ongoing five match ODI series and the first couple of games in the T20I series to follow.
“Abbe kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baithi hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?” Sarfraz was heard saying in Urdu during the 2nd ODI. The recording from the stump mic translates to “Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What (prayer) have you got her to say for you today?” in English.
Sarfraz has been charged under the Anti-Racism Code which states that,
“Engaging in any conduct (whether through the use of language, gestures or otherwise) which is likely to offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify any reasonable person in the position of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, Umpire Support Personnel or any other person (including a spectator) on the basis of their race, religion, culture, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin.”
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.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said, “The ICC has a zero-tolerance policy towards conduct of this nature. Sarfraz 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.”
After the incident, Sarfraz had posted his apologies over the matter on social media and had also apologized to Phehlukwayo in person.
Sarfraz, in the meanwhile, is already out of the fourth ODI against South Africa. Pakistan have won the toss and have elected to field in the must win encounter. “We wanted him, but the incident … we all know what has happened. I don’t want to comment about it. But they’ve given me this opportunity, and I want to do my best,” stand in skipper Shoaib Malik said at the toss on Sunday.
