Reports : Sarfraz Ahmed to face serious action after on-field racist comments

Things could go from bad to worse for Pakistan cricket team’s captain Sarfraz Ahmed after he was heard making what was perceived as racist comments on the stump-mic towards South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo. The incident occurred in the second ODI between the two nations which was being played in Durban on Tuesday.

Now, Ahmed is under threat to be suspended if match officials of the second One-dayer find that the Pakistan skipper breached International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-racism code. Earlier, during the 37th over of South African innings, the Proteas all-rounder survived an inside edge past the leg-stump, after which Sarfraz remarked, “ Abey kaale, teriammiaajkahaanbaitheenhain? Kya padhwakeaaye hai aaj? (Hey black guy, where is your mother sitting today? What prayer has she said for you today?)”

Mike Haysman and Ramiz Raja, who were in the commentary box at the time were left dumbstruck at Ahmed’s words as Raja played safe by saying, “Difficult really to translate that. It is a big long sentence.”

As per ICC’s anti-racism code, which is in place since October 2012, “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” shall amount to an offence under the code.

Sarfraz can be reported to the ICC by an umpire or match referee from the match, the team manager or CEO of Cricket South Africa, or ICC chief Dave Richardson.

If Ahmed is reported and the Pakistani batsman is found to have violated the anti-racism code then he will be sanctioned anything between four to eight suspension points. A Test match amounts to two suspension points, while a limited-overs international is equivalent to one point.

“The ICC and the match officials have noted the alleged incident. They have started the necessary procedures to investigate the matter. We can only comment once we have received the results of the investigation,” South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee told PTI sources.

Meanwhile, legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also lashed out at his compatriot as he said,  “As a Pakistani, I strongly condemn this. He shouldn’t have said what he said and I feel he has done a very shameful act. I think he should publicly apologise for what he said to this guy (Phehlukwayo).”