Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed issues apology after alleged racial taunt results in outcry
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed on Wednesday issued an apology over his controversial comments directed at South Africa allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the 2nd ODI against South Africa. The remarks which were reportedly caught on the stump-mic were dubbed as “racist” by the public. In a series of tweets, Ahmed said: “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.”
The batsman added that he did not wish to hurt anyone. “My words were not directed towards anyone in particular and 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.
The captain further said that he appreciates the camaraderie with the fellow cricketers of opposing nations, and will continue to do so. “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,” he said.
The Pakistan Cricket Board also issued a statement Wednesday night to condemn the incident. “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,” the statement read.