South Africa 'forgive’ Pakistan skipper Sarfraz for his 'racist comment'

Pakistan skipper was caught on stump mic making racist comment against all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis says his team has forgiven Sarfraz Ahmed for his racist remark during the second ODI in Durban on Tuesday.

"We forgive him because he said sorry," du Plessis said after South Africa's training session on Thursday, according to ESPNCricinfo. "He has apologised and taken responsibility for it. It is out of our hands and ICC will have to deal with it now."

Sarfraz was caught on stump mic seemingly making racist comment against South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.

"Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?," he had said, which can be translated in English as: “Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What have you asked her to pray for you?"

Pakistan skipper @SarfarazA_54 has apologised for the inappropriate remark against Andile Phehlukwayo during Durban ODI https://t.co/p85M0KKIoE #SAvPAKpic.twitter.com/T4zOfn8Ikv

— Cricingif (@_cricingif) January 23, 2019

As per ICC Anti-Racism Code for Participants, any player or support staff will receive a punishment of four to eight suspension points if found guilty of the offence for the first time, which can also be termed as four to eight ODI or T20I suspension.

The Men in Green skipper issued an apology a day after the incident, saying that he had utmost respect for his opponents on and off the field.

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

"When you come to South Africa, you have to be very careful when you make racial comments," du Plessis said. "I am sure he didn't mean it like that but he has taken responsibility…”