PCB address Sarfraz Ahmed comments: Any hurtful remarks by any cricketer are not acceptable

Sarfraz, the Pakistan captain, was picked up on a stump microphone appearing to call Andile Phehlukwayo "black guy", in Urdu, during the South Africa innings at Kingsmead on Tuesday

The Pakistan Cricket Board say they "regret" the racist remark made by Sarfraz Ahmed during the ODI against South Africa in Durban.

Sarfraz, the Pakistan captain, was picked up on a stump microphone appearing to call Andile Phehlukwayo "black guy", in Urdu, during the South Africa innings at Kingsmead on Tuesday.

He has since apologised for any offence caused, claiming that his words "were not directed at anyone in particular", but the ICC are said to be investigating.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PCB stressed that they have a "zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments... in whatever context" and that "any hurtful remarks by any cricketer, let alone the captain, are not acceptable".

The statement does not say whether or not a disciplinary process has been opened against Sarfraz.

It reads: "The PCB expresses regret over the remark made by their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and picked up by the stump mic during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban. The PCB neither endorses nor supports any comments that have the potential to cause offence, and firmly reiterates their zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments made; in whatever context.

"This incident has also highlighted the importance and significance of player education and training at all levels. The PCB endeavors to improve their player education programmes to ensure these types of incidents do not happen again.

"Sarfaraz is one of the most respected cricketers in the world. However, captaining Pakistan is a massive honour and any hurtful remarks by any cricketer, let alone the captain, are not acceptable to the PCB.

"The PCB is confident that this incident will not affect the series, which has been played in great spirit with some excellent performances from both side. The PCB is also hopeful that the crowds will continue to turn up in big numbers for the remaining matches to support cricket."

Sarfraz's apology, issued via social media earlier on Wednesday, read: "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."