Reports: Sarfaraz Ahmed suspended for four matches for his racial remarks against Phehlukwayo

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been in the news for all the wrong reasons since the second ODI against South Africa. He made racial comments calling Andile Phehlukwayo ‘Black Guy’ during the second innings in Durban and though the home side didn’t make any official comments, the ICC had started investigating the matter. Moreover, Sarfaraz had also apologised personally to Phehlukwayo ahead of the third game.

However, everyone was shocked to see Shoaib Malik come out for the toss for the fourth ODI at the Wanderers on Sunday. According to the reports in ESPNCricinfo, the Pakistan skipper has been suspended for four matches and the ICC is expected to release the statement shortly about the same.

“We wanted him, but the incident … we all know what has happened. I don’t want to comment about it. But they’ve given me this opportunity, and I want to do my best,” Malik said at the toss.

ICC confirms

The ICC has also confirmed the suspension, meanwhile, and have released the statement over the same. Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to miss the remaining ODIs of the series and will not play two of three T20 Internationals as well. Mohammad Rizwan has replaced him at the moment but there is no replacement for Sarfaraz in the T20Is.

“As per Article 7.3 of the Anti-Racism Code, Sarfaraz will also have to undergo an education programme to promote the understanding and awareness of issues directly relevant to the offence that he has committed. The ICC will work with the PCB to determine when and how this should take place,” the part of the statement read.

“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 when determining an appropriate sanction,” the ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said.

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