Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed apologised on Wednesday following a controversial comment aimed at South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo which was picked up by a stump microphone during the second one-day international in Durban on Tuesday.
Pakistan were chasing SA’s total of 203. In the 37th over, Ahmed, facing a delivery from Phehlukwayo, said: "Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj"? This was picked up by the stump microphone.
ESPN Cricinfo translated it as, "Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What [prayer] have you got her to say for you today"?
Former Pakistan cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja said it is "difficult to translate" the comment as it is "a big long sentence".
The Pakistan captain tweeted: "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 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 across the globe and will always respect and honour them on and off the field."
The cricketer may face action according to ICC’s Anti-Racism Code for Participants.
Article 2 of the code says:
"2.1 The following conduct, if committed by a Participant at any time during, or in relation to, an International Match, shall amount to an offence under the Anti-Racism Code:
2.1.1 Engaging in any conduct (whether through the use of language, gestures or otherwise) which is likely to offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify any reasonable person in the position of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, Umpire Support Personnel or any other person (including a spectator) on the basis of their race, religion, culture, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin."
The actions include "(a) the voluntary imposition of a period of suspension (which period must be determined having due regard to the range of permissible sanctions in Article 7.3) by the Participant alleged to have committed the offence; and/or (b) a public apology and/or explanation as to the parties’ conduct and circumstances surrounding the alleged offence; and/or (c) a private apology and/or explanation as to the parties’ conduct and circumstances surrounding the alleged offence; and/or (d) a joint press statement being issued about the parties’ conduct and circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and/or its resolution by conciliation; and/or (e) an agreement by the Participant alleged to have committed the offence, to undergo a specified programme of education and/or counselling designed to promote the understanding and awareness of issues directly relevant to the offence that is alleged to have been committed."