The Pakistan Cricket Board have expressed regret about captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s racial remarks during the second ODI against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban earlier this week.

Ahmed taunted all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo in Urdu: ‘Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj? (Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What prayer have you got her to say for you today?)’. His comments were heard on the stump microphone – and he has since apologised via Twitter.

‘The PCB expresses regret over the remark made by their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and picked up by the stump mic during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban. 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,’ read a statement from the board.

Phehlukwayo was named Man of the Match on the back of a telling four-wicket haul and solid half-century. The five-match series is level 1-1 and the third match will be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday. The Wanderers in Johannesburg and Newlands in Cape Town will host fixtures four and five respectively.

‘The PCB is confident that this incident will not affect the series, which has been played in great spirit with some excellent performances from both side. The PCB is also hopeful that the crowds will continue to turn up in big numbers for the remaining matches to support cricket,’ concluded the statement.

Photo: Gallo