Pakistan Cricket Board express 'utmost disappointment' at Sarfraz Ahmed four-match ban

They are unhappy that he has been given a ban for a racist remark he made to Andile Phehlukwayo after issuing an apology which was accepted by the South Africa captain Faf du Plessis...

The Pakistan Cricket Board have issued a statement which outlines their dissatisfaction at the ICC's decision to issue Sarfraz Ahmed with a four-match ban for racist comments he made during a match on Wednesday.

The Pakistan captain was heard on the stump mic making a racist remark in Urdu to South Africa allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo while he batted during an ODI between the two sides.

Sarfraz issued an apology afterwards, which was accepted by South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and also noted in the ICC's release announcing the ban.

^{Faf du Plessis accepted Sarfraz Ahmed's apology}

"The PCB notes the ICC decision on Sarfraz Ahmed with its utmost disappointment," the statement released on Sunday read.

"PCB had anticipated that the matter had been resolved amicably between the two players and the two Boards following Sarfraz Ahmed’s public apologies which were accepted by the player, the Board and South Africa cricket team.

“The PCB will be pursuing this matter at the ICC forums with the objective to bring reforms to the Code, promoting amicable resolutions to issues as opposed to penalties.

"Having said that, the PCB reiterates its zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments and behavior."