Sarfraz (sort of) apologises for ‘hey black guy’ comment

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?”

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.

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