What next for Sarfraz?
This was the last thing Sarfraz and Pakistan needed was a distraction of this magnitude. If charged Sarfraz can face a penalty of up to 8 ODIs, which practically would mean he would go in the World Cup having not played for 4 months or worse even being banned for the start of the World. Cricketing reasons side, Sarfraz disastrous choice of words have us distracted from what was turning out to be a highly competitive series.
However, since Sarfraz has issued an apology pretty much straight away and it has been accepted by the South Africans there may be a way out.
“We forgive him because he said sorry,” du Plessis said. “He has apologised and taken responsibility for it. It is out of our hands and ICC will have to deal with it now.”
Match referee Ranjan Madugalle has formally sent his report to the ICC. However, there so far there are no concrete reports of any impending action.
https://www.oyeyeah.com/sports/this-is-sarfrazs-moment-of-truth/
Du Plessis also had a word of advice for his counterpart.
“When you come to South Africa, you have to be very careful when you make racial comments,” du Plessis said. “I am sure he didn’t mean it like that but he has taken responsibility and we will have to see what the outcome of that is going to be. We’re not taking it lightly, but that fact that there was an immediate apology shows there is regret. We can forgive but that doesn’t mean we brush it under the table.”
So, while it is not clear how things will settle, there may be a chance whereby Sarfraz could be let off with a warning. The ICC’s anti-racism code includes a chance of conciliation meeting, between the involved parties. The instant apology and gracious acceptance on part of the South African team may mean Sarfraz escapes punishment.
One would hope, someone from PCB’s team has explained (not justified) the context of Sarfraz’s comments. Moreover, Pakistani cricketers are now told to be more cautious in what they utter and understand that even casual and unintended racism isn’t acceptable.
