Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan skipper banned for four games over ‘racist’ sledge

The fourth ODI between South Africa and Pakistan in Johannesburg witnessed a strange sight before the toss. Both team captains headed out for the toss and while Faf du Plessis was leading the Proteas, Shoaib Malik was heading out. Pakistan chose to field and it was then revealed that Sarfraz was handed a four-match ban for his ‘racist’ sledge against all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the Durban ODI. In the toss interview, Malik said, “We wanted him, but the incident... we all know what has happened. I don't want to comment about it.” Later, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement which confirmed that Sarfraz was banned for four games. This puts him out for the remaining ODI and and for two Twenty20 Internationals in addition to him missing the Pink ODI in Johannesburg.

The ICC found Sarfraz to be in breach of the ICC’s Anti-Racism Code for Participants following the Durban incident. "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,” read the statement.

RELATED

Dave Richardson, the current ICC Chief Executive, said Sarfraz’s public apology before the game was taken into consideration while deciding the ban. “The ICC has a zero-tolerance policy towards conduct of this nature. Sarfaraz has promptly admitted the offence, was regretful of his actions and has issued a public apology, so these factors were taken into account,” Richardson said.

According to Act 7.3 of the Anti-Racism code, Sarfaraz will have to undergo an education programme to promote the understanding and awareness of issues directly relevant to the offence. The ICC will work with the PCB to determine when and how this should take place.

‘Racist’ sledge hurts Pakistan

The incident came to light during the Durban ODI where Sarfraz ‘racially’ sledged Phehlukwayo in a tense match which the Proteas won by five wickets. In the 37^th over of the South Africa innings, Sarfraz was caught by stump mics blurting in Urdu which stated, “Abbay kaale teri Ammi kahan bethi hoyi hain aaj, kya parhwa kay aaya hai aaj.” The literal translation is, "Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What have you got her to say for you today?"

Following the incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board issued a statement which said the Board did not stand with any of the comments and Sarfraz was criticised by former Pakistan players, including speedster Shoaib Akhtar. Amidst the uproar, Sarfraz publicly apologised and personally met Phehlukwayo to issue an apology.

On his official Twitter handle, Sarfraz wrote, “I apologised to Andile Phehlukwayo and he was gracious enough to accept my apology. I hope the people of South Africa also accept my apology.”

The Johannesburg ODI is the Pink ODI for South Africa and they will be aiming to win the series after winning the Durban game by five wickets and the Centurion match by 13 runs via Duckworth-Lewis method.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sarfraz made the 'racist' sledge against Phehlukwayo in Durban ODI.
• Sarfraz publicly apologised and met Phehlukwayo.
• Pakistan are trailing the five-match series 1-2.