Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has been forced to return home after the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a four-match ban on him for making racially motivated comments about South African fast bowler Andile Phehlukwayo last week. Sarfraz apologised for his racial comments but stated that former pacer Shoaib Malik is making a personal attack by criticising him following his suspension.
“He [Shoaib Akhtar] is attacking me personally not criticising,” Geo TV quoted Sarfaraz, as saying.
“I accepted my mistake and received the punishment. I want to thank PCB for handling this case and fulfilling requirements. I will improve myself and my performance in the future and I thank my supporters for their backing,” the 31-year-old added.
Akhtar had, reportedly, said the captain’s remarks saying that such comments are not acceptable in Pakistan.
“This is not acceptable as a Pakistani. In my opinion he did this in the heat of the moment. I think he should apologize publicly,” Akhtar had said in a Twitter video.
Sarfraz was handed over a four-match suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching their anti-racism code.
