Sarfraz Ahmed apologises as ICC start probe in 'racist' sledge caught on stump mic- All you need to know

The incident happened halfway through the 37th over of South Africa's tense chase in the second ODI in Durban. Andile Phehlukwayo inside-edged a Shaheen Afridi delivery to deep fine leg for a single. As he ran off to the non-striker's end, Sarfraz was caught clearly on the stump mics saying, in Urdu: "Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen huyi hain? Kya parhwa ke aaye hai aaj tu?".

Sarfraz to Pehuhlukwayo: "abbay kaale teri Ammi kahan bethi hoyi hain aaj, kya parhwa kay aaya hai aaj.pic.twitter.com/svIlnqGhbf

— Hassan (@iamhassan9) January 22, 2019

It roughly translates to "Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What (prayer) have you got her to say for you today?"

(Image: Reuters)

Akile Phehlukwayo was star of the win for South Africa. He had taken 4 wickets helping restict Pakistan to 203 in the first innings. In the second innings, after South Africa were 80/5 and Pakistan were smelling a victory, he joined Rassie van der Dussen to rescue his team. He enjoyed considerable fortune through the innings- successfully reviewing an on-field lbw dismissal and a dropped catch in the over before this incident. It seems his good fortunes and determination frustrated Sarfraz who made the comment. 

(Image: Reuters)

The comment caught the attention of the match commentators. Mike Haysman asked Ramiz Raja, "What's he saying there Ramiz?"

"Difficult really to translate that. It's a big long sentence," Ramiz replied "It looks like he wanted to say the players is quite lucky."

(Image: AFP)

Social media was soon in uproar after Sarfraz's comment and several people slammed him for his inappropriate choice of words.

Here are some of the first reactions:

Just hearing about what Sarfraz said on the stump mic, which I somehow missed during the game.

Very disappointed. Shame that this is what we have to talk about after a good game, but now that it's happened, it does need talking about at length. #SAvPAK

— Eamon Lahiri (@TheSimianFreud) January 22, 2019

What Sarfaraz was caught saying on stump mic is what cricketers should be banned for, he is the captain ffs. What a shitty leader of that side. Racist comments are treated in a harsh manner in all sports, Cricket should be no different. Ban him. #SAvPAK

— Sumeet (@sumeetksingh13) January 22, 2019

It was for stump mic consumption. Clearly, he didn't think it was racist. Thought it would be funny if the viewers pick it up. https://t.co/uj5ppXjlmn

— Zeher (@WickkedSoul) January 22, 2019

Sarfraz's racisim caught on the stump mic might be the greatest blessing for this team.

— Farooq Syed (@frooq) January 22, 2019

(Image: AFP)

Sarfraz Ahmed may be punished severely for his comments. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is strict on the issue of racism. 

If determined to be an offence, "an appropriate sanction" can be imposed on the Pakistani team captain and the punishment may vary as per the number of past instances of committing the offence. 

(Image: AFP)

The match referee, Ranjan Madugalle of Sri Lanka, has started the procedure of investigation, after being made aware of the incident. According to South African website Independent Media, he is expected to interview several players, and then decide upon a course of action. The website also reported that South African team officials are also aware of the incident. 

“We are aware of the incident. It is in the hands of the match referee now, and we cannot comment any further until we have received the results of the investigation,” team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying by IOL.

(Image: AFP)

Sarfraz Ahmed has apologised for his allegedly racist comments targeted at South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo. 

“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,” Sarfraz tweeted. 

“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.”

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