PCB decries Sarfraz's racial slur

Lahore, Jan 24 (CRICKETNMORE): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday expressed regret over racist slurs by national team captain Sarfraz Ahmed against South African pacer Andile Phehlukwayo. "T

As Phehlukwayo ambled across to the non-striker's end while taking a single, the Pakistan captain could be clearly heard saying on the stump mike: "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 said today?).

Condemning Sarfraz for his comments, the PCB hoped that the incident will not affect the tour, which will feature another three ODIs and an equal number of Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

"Sarfraz is one of the most respected cricketers in the world. However, captaining Pakistan is a massive honour and any hurtful remarks by any cricketer, let alone the captain, are not acceptable to the PCB," the statement said. 

"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 sides. The PCB is also hopeful that the crowds will continue to turn up in big numbers for the remaining matches to support cricket."

Sarfraz had also issued an apology on Wednesday night, saying that he didn't intend to hurt anyone's feelings and said that the incident was a fallout of growing frustration.