Pakistan Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed suspended for four match over racist remark ‘Abey Kaale’

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has been suspended for four matches after he accepted to breach ICC’s Anti-Racism Code for Participants. Sarfraz reportedly had called South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo 'Abey Kaale' during the second ODI between the teams at Durban on Tuesday.

Following his suspension, Sarfraz will miss the remaining two matches of the ongoing ODI series and the first two matches of the upcoming T20I series.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the act resulted in Sarfraz being charged with an offence under the Code, namely; "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."

The ICC in their media release also said that As per Article 7.3 of the Anti-Racism Code, Sarfraz will also have to undergo an education programme to promote the understanding and awareness of issues directly relevant to the offence that he has committed.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "The ICC has a zero-tolerance policy towards the 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."