Sarfraz in hot waters after on-field racist comment

Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed could face serious punishment after he was caught on the stump mics making an inappropriate racist comment against South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.

The incident happened in the 37th over of South African innings in the second ODI at Kingsmead. Phehlukwayo inside-edged the third delivery of the over to deep fine leg for a single. As he ran off to the non-striker's end, Sarfraz was heard on the stump mics saying: "Abey kaalay, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parhwa kay aaya hai aaj?".

This literally translates to: "Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What prayer did you ask her to say for you today?"

Immediately after Sarfraz' comment, commentator Mike Haysman asked Ramiz Raja: "What's he saying there, Ramiz?"

"Difficult really to translate that," Ramiz replied. "It's a big long sentence."

Phehlukwayo had a few fortunate moments throughout his match-winning knock of 69*. He successfully reviewed an lbw decision when he was on seven, before being dropped by Shadab at the point at later stages.

In the post-match presentation, Phehlukwayo, the player of the match, seemed relaxed about having been the target of several comments by Pakistan players. "It was good chat," he said.

Read: Phehlukwayo, Van der Dussen see South Africa home in tricky chase

A potential disciplinary action can be taken by the match officials, who can review and declare whether Sarfraz’ remarks violated the ICC's Code of Conduct or the Anti-Racism Code.

Article 2.13 of the regular code says, "Such conduct is prohibited under the ICC's Anti-Racism Code and must be dealt with according to the procedures set out therein." In the Anti-Racism code, an offence is described as "any conduct (whether through the use of language, gestures or otherwise) which is likely to offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify any reasonable person in the position of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, Umpire Support Personnel or any other person (including a spectator) on the basis of their race, religion, culture, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin."

Timeline: Sarfraz-Phehlukwayo incident: all you need to know

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