Pakistan cricketer Sarfraz Ahmed is facing a severe backlash on social media after the wicketkeeper-batsman was heard racially abusing South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the 2nd ODI in Durban on Tuesday.
The mic-stump had caught what Sarfraz said, which is currently going viral. Here's what was caught on mic.'"Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?" Which translates to 'Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What prayer have you got her to say for you today?'.
On commentary, Mike Haysman had asked Ramiz Raja, "What's he saying there Ramiz?"
To which Ramiz replied,"Difficult really to translate that, it's a big long sentence."
However, it was Phehlukwayo who took a career-best figures of 4-22 with the ball to help limit Pakistan to 203 all out. He then hit a career-best 69 not out with the bat to lead South Africa to 207/5 in 42 overs and victory after the home team was in deep trouble at 80/5 in its chase.
Phehlukwayo shared an unbeaten partnership under pressure of 127 with Rassie van der Dussen, who was assured for his 80 not out to continue his brilliant start to his one-day career. Van der Dussen made 93 in the first ODI, his debut, although Pakistan won the series-opener.
Sarfraz is in danger of facing sanctions from the International Cricket Council as the match officials can initiate disciplinary action which may fall under the ICC's anti-racism code.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar also took to Twitter, stating that what Sarfraz had said was 'unacceptable' and must explain himself.
Here's how social media reacted to the incident.
