Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfraz Ahmed has apologised for his allegedly racist comments targeted at South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban on Tuesday.
Sarfraz was caught on stump mic hurling racial remarks at Phehlukwayo during South Africa's innings. The 31-year-old was picked up by the stump mic saying, "Hey black [man], where is your mother sitting? What prayer did you get her to say for you today?" (Abay kaalay, teri ammi aaj kahan baitheen hain? Kya parhwa ke aya hai aaj tu?).
The wicket-keeper batsman could land in trouble if the International Cricket Council decides to conduct further investigation in the matter and finds him guilty. According to a South African website, the match referee is already looking into the matter.
Sarfraz Ahmed makes 'racist' against Andile Phehlukwayo- All you need to know
On Wednesday, Sarfraz issued an apology saying he had no intention of upsetting anyone.
“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.”
Sarfraz has widely criticised for his comments. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar posted a video on his Twitter handle saying that such comments are not acceptable in Pakistan. He added that the comment might have come in the heat of the moment and the batsman should apologise for the same.
"Sarfraz must explain himself to Media & public regarding his comments to batsman," Akhtar captioned the video.
Several cricket have also slammed Sarfraz for his comments on social media.
South Africa won the second match against Pakistan to level the ongoing series 1-1.
