Despite his apology, suspension threat looms over Sarfraz for racist comments

Pakistan cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmed has apologised for his racist comments towards South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, but the threat of suspension still looms over him. 

During the second one-day international, a controversial statement by Sarfraz for Andile was caught by the stumps mics. Since then, the skipper has been strongly condemned by cricketers and fans alike. “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.

Although the skipper has apologized for his comments, the fear of International Cricket Council’s (ICC) suspension still looms over him. The skipper could face suspension for up to four Tests if he is found to have breached the ICC’s anti-racism code, quoted The Daily Telegraph.

Under article 2.1.1 of the ICC’s anti-racism code “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.

In a series of tweets on Wednesday, the skipper apologized for his comments. "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," he tweeted.

1/2 - 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. My words were not directed towards anyone in particular and...

— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019

"My words were not directed towards anyone in particular and I certainly had no intention of upsetting anyone. I did not even mean for my words to be heard, understood or communicated to the opposing team or the cricket fans. I have in the past and will continue in future to appreciate the camaraderie of my fellow cricketers from across the globe and will always respect and honour them on and off the field," he added.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also condemned the incident, and stated that the board would look into the ‘education and training’ of its players.

“The PCB expresses regret over the remark made by their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and picked up by the stump mic during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban. The PCB neither endorses nor supports any comments that have the potential to cause offence, and firmly reiterates their zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments made; in whatever context.

“Sarfaraz is one of the most respected cricketers in the world. However, captaining Pakistan is a massive honour and any hurtful remarks by any cricketer, let alone the captain, are not acceptable to the PCB,” stated the cricketing board.