JOHANNESBURG: Skipper Sarfraz has been banned for games by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his controversial taunt against South African player Andile Phehlukwayo in the second One-day International of the series against Proteas.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources, the Pakistani side is being led by veteran Shoaib Malik today as Sarfraz was handed a 4-match ban by the ICC under the cricket governing body’s anti-racism code.
JUST IN: Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been handed a four-match suspension for breaching ICC's Anti-Racism Code.
DETAILS ⏬https://t.co/7lCs3FiYpp pic.twitter.com/OWpwV6lJ4w
— ICC (@ICC) January 27, 2019
After the skipper’s suspension from the team, Mohammad Rizwan is in for today’s game against the Proteas which is being played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
In the second ODI, Sarfraz was caught on the stump microphone passing an offensive taunt to Andile during the 37th over of South Africa’s chase.
As the news broke out on the International platform after being highlighted by media, Sarfraz was quick to take responsibility for his words and apologized from Adile personally, as well as the South African team.
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
Talking to media in Centurion ahead of the third showdown between Pakistan and South Africa, Proteas skipper du Plessis said that the SA team forgave Sarfraz as he apologized, therefore the matter rests with ICC.
He said, “Its a good thing that he [Sarfraz] has apologized and taken full responsibility for his gesture, but the team does not take these things lightly.”
While addressing the matter further, SA skipper added that the visiting teams need to be careful with such things [passing racist remarks] when they visit South Africa.
“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”, the skipper concluded.
