The Pakistan cricket team captain could become one of the most high-profile names to be banned in racism-related charges. The 31-year-old had called South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo ‘kaala’ (black) in the second ODI against the Proteas at Kingsmead. While the video footage of the incident went viral on social media, Sarfraz issued a statement a day after clarifying he didn’t intend to hurt anyone with the comment. The International Cricket Council (ICC), has reportedly started the investigation and as per the rulings, a 4 ODI or 2 Test ban could be handed to the cricketer.
Phehlukwayo was the star of the match for the Proteas, as he claimed a half-century after taking 4 wickets with the ball in the same match. At one incident when he narrowly avoided being bowled by Pakistani speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sarfraz was heard saying in Urdu: “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?” The statement roughly translates as: “Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What (prayer) have you got her to say for you today?”
As per the South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee, an investigation into the matter has already been started by the governing body and the match officials, a result of which will be available soon.
As per the nature of the offence, if found guilty, Sarfraz could be handed four to eight suspension points which will see him face a ban of minimum four ODIs/T20Is or two Tests.
