ICC 'investigating' allegations of racist comments made by Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed

Sarfraz was picked up on the stump microphone aiming words at Andile Phehlukwayo during the 37th over of the home side's innings in Durban

The ICC are looking into an alleged racist remark made by Sarfraz Ahmed during Pakistan's one-day international against South Africa on Tuesday, according to a senior member of the Proteas team management.

Sarfraz was picked up on the stump microphone aiming a comment at Andile Phehlukwayo during the 37th over of the home side's innings in Durban.

After Phehlukwayo had narrowly avoided playing on to Shaheen Shah Afridi, the Pakistan captain was heard to say in Urdu: "Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?"

That translates as: ""Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What (prayer) have you got her to say for you today?"

^{Sarfraz Ahmed in action against South Africa}

The words were immediately picked up on social media, with many users calling for Sarfraz to be banned.

The global governing body have now acted, according to South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee.

"The ICC and the match officials have noted the alleged incident," he was quoted as saying by local media

"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."

The ICC declined to comment when approached by The Cricketer.