South Africa vs Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed called back home on an immediate basis

Sarfaraz Ahmed has found himself in a bit of a tangle in Pakistan’s ongoing tour of South Africa. During the second ODI, which the hosts won by five wickets, at the Kingsmead in Durban, the 31-year-old wicketkeeper was seen hurling some words at the left-handed Andile Phehlukwayo that was later termed as ‘racist’ and many wanted the experienced campaigner to be banned.

He later apologised for the matter, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) made a probe into the matter and then it was learned that he was handed a four-match ban. It meant that Sarfaraz could only play the third T20 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. He has now been called back to Pakistan.

Shoaib Malik has been announced as the new skipper for the remaining ODI and T20I series as per reports in Pak Passion. Mohammad Rizwan, who was drafted into the national squads after decent performances for Pakistan A, would be playing the rest of the matches. The PCB also released a statement.

Here is the statement by the PCB

The PCB has issued the following statement after the International Cricket Council today suspended Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed for four matches.

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.

In consultation with Sarfaraz, it has been decided that he will return to Pakistan immediately. Shoaib Malik will captain the team for the remaining ODIs and T20 internationals of the series, while Mohammad Rizwan has been included in the T20I side.

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