On-field Taunts turned into a bigger deal than it was, Admits Sarfaraz Ahmed

Pakistan Cricket team skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed his displeasure on that his on-field remarks to Andile Phehlukwayo turned into a bigger deal than it was. Following his taunts, International Cricket Council (ICC) handed him a four-match ban despite Ahmed issuing an unconditional apology.

Meanwhile, the incident in question took place during the 37th over of South Africa’s chase in the second ODI in Durban. Sarfaraz was clearly heard on the stump mic telling Phehlukwayo in Urdu:

“Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya padhwa ke aaye hai aaj?”  that means: “Hey, black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What [prayer] have you got her to say for you today?“

However, speaking to the press for the first time since returning to Pakistan, Sarfaraz Ahmed claimed that the issue was blown out of proportion. Sarfaraz claimed that Phehlukwayo had not considered his remarks racist, but he seemed offended with what he perceived initially as a remark towards his mother.

“When I went to say sorry to Andile for using the word [kaale, meaning ‘black’], he was more offended by my reference to his mother, saying I had used inappropriate language about her,” Sarfaraz said in Karachi. “In the media, the word ‘black’ was highlighted to suggest that I had said a racist thing, but I explained the context to him,” he added.

In addition, Sarfaraz Ahmed also noted that he drew examples from their Islamic tradition to make him understand the context. Moreover, South Africa’s team manager Mohammed Moosajee, also a Muslim understood the meaning and made Phehlukwayo interpret it.

I am hopeful for a comeback

Moreover, the Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman also noted that the break came as a blessing in disguise for him. He added that he has been playing cricket for quite some time now and this break will help him retrospect his game. Sarfaraz Ahmed also sounded confident and upbeat about his return to the international circuit.

“I’m hopeful and expectant of a comeback. If I had come back with the team and got just three days here before going for the PSL [Pakistan Super League], that would have been very hectic. So getting the rest instead was much better,” he concluded.