Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed handed ICC ban over racial slur

LAHORE - Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has been suspended for four matches for breaching the ICC’s Anti-Racism Code for Participants following an unpleasant incident that occurred during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old will also have to attend "an education programme to promote the understanding and awareness of issues directly relevant to the offence that he has committed," according to an ICC release.

Sarfraz's on-field taunt was caught by stump microphones but he denied that they were aimed at South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo or anyone else in his apology on Thursday.

According to the statement released by cricketing body, “Engaging in any conduct (whether through the use of language, gestures or otherwise) which is likely to offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify any reasonable person in the position of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, Umpire Support Personnel or any other person (including a spectator) on the basis of their race, religion, culture, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin.”

Sarfraz will miss the remaining two matches of the ongoing ODI series as well as the first two matches of the T20I series.

No Sarfaraz Ahmed in Pakistan XI!

Shoaib Malik stands in as captain. Pakistan win the toss and opt to bowl in the pink ODI against South Africa.#SAvPAK LIVE ⏬https://t.co/66Iz9Ecjaq pic.twitter.com/Uc7dK8wRWL

— ICC (@ICC) January 27, 2019

The ICC will work with the PCB to determine when and how this should take place.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson on the incident said, “The ICC has a zero-tolerance policy towards conduct of this nature. Sarfaraz has promptly admitted the offence, was regretful of his actions and has issued a public apology, so these factors were taken into account when determining an appropriate sanction.”