Sarfraz Ahmed handed four-match suspension by ICC for racist taunt

The Pakistan captain was picked up by the stump mic making a racist remark to South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo in Urdu on Wednesday...

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has been given a four-match suspension by the ICC for racist comments he made to South Africa batsman Andile Phehlukwayo on Wednesday.

During the second ODI between the two teams, Sarfraz was picked up by the stump mic saying in Urdu to the allrounder: "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 made the comments to Andile Phehlukwayo while he batted during the second ODI on Wednesday}

Sarfraz issued an apology soon after, which South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said they had accepted, while the PCB distanced themselves from his remarks.

Curiously, the fact that Sarfraz had been banned became apparent before the ICC had issued the release when Shoaib Malik appeared at the toss in his stead for the fourth ODI on Sunday.

"We wanted him, but the incident... we all know what has happened," the stand-in captain said. "I don't want to comment about it. But they've given me this opportunity, and I want to do my best."

Du Plessis also appeared to be privy to the reasons behind Sarfraz's absence, saying: "We've heard that he's out for four games."