We have forgiven Sarfraz Ahmed as he has apologized, says Faf du Plessis

Even as the matter of Sarfraz Ahmed’s racist taunt has been reported to the International Cricket Council (ICC) by match referee Ranjan Madugalle. South African skipper Faf du Plessis has stated that his team has already forgiven the Pakistan captain for his comments. 

"We forgive him because he said sorry. He has apologised and taken responsibility for it. It is out of our hands and ICC will have to deal with it now," told Du Plessis as reported by Cricinfo.

The comments were made by Ahmed during the second ODI of the five match South Africa-Pakistan ODI series in which the Pakistan skipper is heard making racist taunts to an unaware Andile Phehlukwayo, "Abey kaale, teriammiaajkahaanbaitheenhain? Kya parwakeaaye hai aaj?" which is loosly translated as, "Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What have you got her to say for you today?"

Du Plessis also stated that people should be very careful and try not to make comments which are hurtful and racist, particularly in a multiracial country like South Africa. But he also added that his team is not avoiding the issue or brushing it under the carpet.

"When you come to South Africa, you have to be very careful when you make racial comments. I am sure he didn't mean it like that but he has taken responsibility and we will have to see what the outcome of that is going to be.

"We're not taking it lightly, but that fact that there was an immediate apology shows there is regret. We can forgive but that doesn't mean we brush it under the table."

While ICC is yet to come out with a statement about further action on the issue, the man at whom the comments were hurled stated that he was unaware about the comments as he did not think that those comments were being made on him.

"Andy says he didn't even notice it and thus felt it wasn't really directed at him. I suppose maybe because we didn't understand it makes a bit of a difference."

Turning away from the serious matter, the South African skipper tried making light comments and stated that they are a very nice team and forgive easily. But took a dig at Australia and said not in their case though.

"We're a very gracious team. We forgive easily. Maybe not so much when it's Australia."

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