Sarfraz Ahmed
Sarfraz Ahmed

Sarfraz Ahmed banned for four matches


Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has been banned for four matches due to a breach of the International Cricket Council's anti-racism code.

The world governing body announced Sarfraz had accepted the charge after aiming a comment at South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the second one-day international between the sides in Durban on Tuesday.

Sarfraz will miss the remaining two matches of the ODI series - with Shoaib Malik captaining the side in Sunday's contest - as well as the first two matches of the Twenty20 series to follow.

ICC chief executive David Richardson said: "The ICC has a zero-tolerance policy towards conduct of this nature.

"Sarfraz 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."

Sarfraz's comments had been picked up by the stump mic during the match, and the 31-year-old wicketkeeper then apologised to Phehlukwayo on Friday, writing on Twitter: "This morning I apologised to Andile Phehlukwayo and he was gracious enough to accept my apology and I hope the people of South Africa also accept my apology."

The ICC added that Sarfraz will now undergo an education programme relating to the offence.