Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has apologised to the cricketing community for the on-field comments he made that were picked up by the stump mic during the second ODI at Kingsmead.
His comments were made in Urdu and came towards the end of a frustrating defeat which saw Pakistan give up their 1-0 series lead, but unofficial translations of what he allegedly said have caused a storm of protest on social media.
‘The ICC and the match officials have noted the alleged incident. They have started the necessary procedures to investigate the matter,’ said South Africa’s team manager, Mohammed Moosajee, on Wednesday.
READ ALSO: Sarfaraz caught out by hot mic
‘We can only comment once we have received the results of the investigation. Any further clarification [or] updates have to go through the ICC,’ added Moosajee.
The ICC has a strict code of conduct that governs player behaviour, in addition to an anti-racism code, and both will be consulted when officials investigate Sarfaraz’s conduct.
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
Photo: Francois Nel/Getty Images
