Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has apologised following a controversial comment that was picked up by a stump microphone during the second one-day international against South Africa in Durban.

Sarfraz was heard making a comment in Urdu about Andile Phehlukwayo during the South African all-rounder's match-winning partnership with Rassie van der Dussen.

QUICK SINGLE Van der Dussen leads Proteas to victory

Various media reports has translated the comment as: "Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What (prayer) have you got her to say for you today?"

The Pakistan captain tweeted his “sincere apologies”, while the Pakistan Cricket Board said it did not support the comments.

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

"The PCB expresses regret over the remark made by their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and picked up by the stump mic during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban," the PBC statement said.

"The PCB neither endorses nor supports any comments that have the potential to cause offence, and firmly reiterates their zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments made; in whatever context.

"This incident has also highlighted the importance and significance of player education and training at all levels. The PCB endeavors to improve their player education programmes to ensure these types of incidents do not happen again.

"Sarfaraz 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 PCB is confident that this incident will not affect the series, which has been played in great spirit with some excellent performances from both side(s). The PCB is also hopeful that the crowds will continue to turn up in big numbers for the remaining matches to support cricket."

Phehlukwayo and Sarfraz in Durban // Getty

The International Cricket Council did not make a statement when contacted by cricket.com.au, but South Aafrican team manager Mohammed Moosajee said the game’s governing body were investigating the matter.

"The ICC and the match officials have noted the alleged incident," Moosajee said. "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."

It is yet to be seen what sanction, if any, Sarfraz will face.

I really hope that our captain gets away with minimal punishment out of this recent episode bcoz we need him for the coming World Cup as captain .. — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) January 23, 2019

Whether or not Sarfraz faces any action, his team is likely to face a sterner challenge in the remaining three matches with wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock and fast bowler Dale Steyn added to the home squad after being rested for the first two matches.

Left-arm fast bowler Beuran Hendricks, who has played in Twenty20 internationals but not in one-day internationals, was also added to the squad.

Heinrich Klaasen, Dane Paterson and Duanne Olivier dropped out.