Sarfraz Ahmed apologises for existence of stump mic

Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-captain Sarfraz Ahmed has apologised for the existence of a stump mic that picked up a racial slur he uttered during the second ODI against South Africa.

The epithet appeared to be aimed at Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, who was on his way to a match-winning 69 not out, but Sarfraz insisted this was not the case and his outburst was “not directed towards anyone in particular”.

The stump mic picked up Sarfraz saying in Urdu late in the South Africa run-chase: “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?”.

The literal translation is: “Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What [prayer] have you got her to say for you today?”

Sarfraz’s Twitter apology to “any person who may have taken offence” pointedly stopped short of naming anyone who might have wrongly thought the comment was in fact aimed at them, and was – as these things so often are – far more concerned with the fact his comment had been “unfortunately caught” by the stump mic than the fact it had been made.

“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,” he said.

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

South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed on Wednesday that the ICC had taken note of the incident.

He said: “The ICC and the match officials have noted the alleged incident.

“They have started the necessary procedures to investigate the matter. We can only comment once we have received the results of the investigation. Any further clarification/updates have to go through the ICC.”