Raja speaks out on his role in Sarfraz’s racial comment controversy

Pakistan former captain turned cricket commentator, Ramiz Raja has stated that he has decided not to translate any statements from Urdu to English while commentating.

“I have decided that I am not going to translate anything from Urdu to English anymore, I will like to stick to my English medium while commentating,” said Raja, while talking at Ramiz Speaks. The commentator’s statements come amid Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed’s racial slur controversy during the ongoing tour of South Africa, where Ramiz Raja’s role as a commentator was also questioned.

“There have talks going around regarding my role that I didn’t properly translate Sarfraz slur, my point is that if I began translating any foul language and racial remarks that are caught on stump mic, then it will be an uncouth way of commentating and unintelligent from my behalf,” said Raja.

“Racial slur is a completely unacceptable thing; the good thing is that Sarfraz has apologized. I understand that Sarfraz is under tremendous pressure, and the entire team also is under pressure due to him,” added Raja.

During the second one-day international in Durban, a controversial statement by Sarfraz for Andile Phehlukwayo was caught by the stumps mics. “Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What (prayer) have you got her to say for you today,” Sarfraz was heard saying in Urdu.

The skipper has apologized for his comments, in a series of tweets.  “I wish to extend my sincere apologies to any person who may have taken offence from my expression of frustration which was unfortunately caught by the stump mic during yesterday’s game against SA,” said Sarfraz.