South Africa vs Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed meets Andile Phehlukwayo, apologises for racist remarks

Durban: Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed Friday met Andile Phehlukwayo and apologised for hurling allegedly racist slurs at the South African all-rounder during the second ODI in Durban. Sarfaraz was caught making racist comments by the stump mic in the 37th over of South Africa’s run chase on Tuesday. South Africa eventually won the match by five wickets.

“This morning I apologised to Andile Phehlukwayo and he was gracious enough to accept my apology .and I hope the people of South Africa also accept my apology,” Sarfaraz wrote on his Twitter page. Sarfaraz had earlier issued a long apology on Wednesday, insisting that his comments were not directed at anyone in particular. But on Thursday he met Phehlukwayo. “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj (Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What have you got her to say for you today)?” Sarfaraz was what he had been recorded as saying on the field. His action had attracted widespread criticism with former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar asking him to apologise. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) too expressed regret over the alleged racist remarks made by the national team captain. “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 PCB had stated.