Durban, Jan. 23 (IANS): Pakistan cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmed stirred a controversy when he racially abused South Africa pacer Andile Phehlukwayo during the second One-Day International (ODI) here.
Phehlukwayo and Rassie van der Dussen put together a 127-run stand as South Africa defeated Pakistan by five wickets on Tuesday.
The duo came together when the Proteas were struggling at 80/5 in the 15th over while chasing a target of 204 runs.
The partnership apparently frustrated the Pakistanis and Sarfraz gave vent to his feelings in the 37th over of the hosts’ innings when Phehlukwayo was facing Shaheen Afridi.
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?)
The comment sparked a storm of criticism on social media with a host of people condemning Sarfraz’s comment.
Former star fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar called on Sarfraz to tender an apology to Phehlukwayo.
“This is not acceptable as a Pakistani. I guess he did this in the heat of the moment. He should tender a public apology,” the former Pakistan international said in a video on Twitter.
