Pakistan cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmed returned home on Tuesday after he was suspended for four matches by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the anti-racism code for his remarks against South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo.
“I accepted my mistake and received the punishment. I want to thank PCB for handling this case and fulfilling requirements,” Sarafaz told reporters at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
During Pakistan’s second ODI against South Africa, Sarfaraz aimed a comment at Phehlukwayo which was deemed as racist and resulted in him being charged with an offence under the ICC’s anti-racism code.
Sarfaraz’s action was criticized by former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar leading to a response from the Pakistani skipper who termed it a personal attack.
The skipper added that he had been playing cricket for five months and would take this time to rest and play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Following Sarfaraz’s suspension, Shoaib Malik will assume responsibilities of captain. Under Malik, the team won the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka with the fifth scheduled for Wednesday.
