Sarfraz (sort of) apologises for ‘hey black guy’ comment
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has apologised for an alleged racist comment he now claims was not directed at Proteas hero Andile Phehlukwayo.
Dejected Pakistani captain Sarfraz Ahmed (R) reacts during a ceremony on the third and final Test cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Sheikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on December 7, 2018. (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI / AFP)
The apology may, however, not convince everyone as he claims the comment was not directed at “anyone in particular”, while many believe it was aimed directly at Phehlukwayo.
The incident happened during the 37th over of South Africa’s innings in their five-wicket win in Durban on Tuesday night when the young all-rounder had just reached his maiden ODI fifty.
Sarfraz was caught on the stump microphone brazenly chirping Phehlukwayo in Urdu after he edged a single to fine leg.
According to ESPNCricinfo, the visiting captain said: “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?”
The specialist website noted that the literal translation is: “Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What [prayer] have you got her to say for you today?”
https://twitter.com/AlamSabah/status/1088011303866707969
Pakistan had decided to initially target Phehlukwayo, who had various streaky moments during his innings before ending with a match-winning, unbeaten 69.
On Wednesday afternoon, Cricket South Africa confirmed that an investigation had been launched.
“The ICC and the match officials have noted the alleged incident,” Proteas team manager doctor Mohammed Moosajee said.
“They have started the necessary procedures to investigate the matter. We can only comment once we have received the results of the investigation. Any further clarification/updates have to go through the ICC.”
SuperSport commentators had asked Ramiz Raja, on duty for the series, what Sarfraz had said, but he was reluctant to translate, merely saying that it was a “big, long sentence”.
It will be up to the match officials to decide whether Sarfraz infringed on the ICC’s Anti-Racism Code.
Taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening, Sarfraz apologised, saying his words were not “directed at anyone in particular” and he had been expressing his “frustration”.
He said he hadn’t intended to upset anyone.
1/2 – 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. My words were not directed towards anyone in particular and…
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019
2/3 – 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. I have in the past and will continue in future to appreciate the camaraderie of my fellow cricketers from…
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019
3/3 – …across the globe and will always respect and honour them on and off the field.
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019
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