South Africa vs Pakistan: PCB issues statement after Sarfraz Ahmed's illegitimate comments

Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has been under the scanner after his sledging didn’t go down well with the fans and experts during the second ODI against South Africa. Sarfraz was caught on stump mic calling Andile Phehlukwayo “Ae Kaale” (Hey black guy) and the video went viral on social media.

After a serious outrage on social media, Sarfraz rendered an apology via his official Twitter handle, which barely had any impact on the situation. The ICC is yet to react on the incident and it will be interesting to see what action will be taken against the skipper.

To avoid any further controversies, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a formal apology, claiming they do not endorse or support their captain’s statements. Despite confessing they will not tolerate any racist practices, they seemed to have reprimanded the 31-year-old and also stated the need for educating young cricketers over sensitive issues.

PCB promises to not reiterate such comments

Journalist Saj Sadiq posted an image constituting PCB’s formal apology statement on his official Twitter handle. Here’s what PCB said.

“The PCB expresses regret over the remark made by their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and picked up by the stump mic during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban. The PCB neither endorses nor supports any comments that have the potential to cause offence, and firmly reiterates their zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments made; in whatever context.

This incident has also highlighted the importance and significance of player education and training at all levels. The PCB endeavours to improve their player education programmes to ensure these types of incidents do not happen again.

Sarfaraz is one of the most respected cricketers in the world. However, captaining Pakistan is a massive honour and any hurtful remarks by any cricketer, let alone the captain, are not acceptable to the PCB.

The PCB is confident that this incident will not affect the series, which has been played in great spirit with some excellent performances from both sides. The PCB is also hopeful that the crowds will continue to turn up in big numbers for the remaining matches to support cricket.”

Pakistan Cricket Board statement regarding the comments made by Sarfaraz Ahmed during the 2nd ODI in Durban #SAvsPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/AX8AHnOo4F

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) January 23, 2019

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