Pakistan Cricket Board express disappointment over ICC's decision to ban Sarfraz Ahmed

After much ballyhoo on social media and the entire cricketing fraternity, Sarfraz Ahmed was slapped with a four-match ban owing to his racial inappropriate comments made against Andile Phehlukwayo during the second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa in Durban. The ban will see him miss 4th and 5th ODI followed by the T20I series.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have expressed their disappointment over ICC’s decision. It seemed like peace was made between both parties with Sarfraz giving a formal apology on social media and a personal apology to Phehlukwayo. The cricketing hierarchy were slow to react but eventually, they came with a harsh decision.

Despite reiterating their zero-tolerance approach towards such comments, an official statement from the board suggested they will bring up this topic in future ICC forums to ensure better reciprocation happens in future with regard to such sensitive issues.

“The PCB notes the ICC decision on Sarfaraz Ahmed with its utmost disappointment. PCB had anticipated that the matter had been resolved amicably between the two players and the two Boards following Sarafraz 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,” PCB stated as quoted in India Today.

Rizwan to replace the skipper

PCB have also named their replacement for their discarded captain. After consultation with Sarfraz Ahmed, they decided to rope in Mohammad Rizwan into the T20I squad, which means they will continue with the same setup in the final ODI.

“In consultation with Sarfaraz, it has been decided that he will return to Pakistan immediately. Mohammad Rizwan has been included in the T20I side,” they stated.

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