PCB expresses disappointment over Sarfaraz’s suspension

Pakistan Cricket Board has expressed disappointment over the decision of International Cricket Council of banning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed for four matches for his racial remarks.

PCB believes that the matter was resolved between the two players and also their boards respectively following his public apology on social media for his comments.

“The PCB notes the ICC decision on Sarfaraz Ahmed with its utmost disappointment. PCB had anticipated that the matter had been resolved amicably between the two players and the two Boards following Sarfaraz Ahmed’s public apologies which were accepted by the player, the Board and South Africa cricket team,” the official statement from the board read.

The board plans to take the matter to the ICC and will ask the authorities to bring reforms to the Code of Anti-Racism. However, they back ICC’s stance of zero tolerance policy on the offence.

“The PCB will be pursuing this matter at the ICC forums with the objective to bring reforms to the Code, promoting amicable resolutions to issues as opposed to penalties. Having said that, the PCB reiterates its zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments and behaviour,” the statement said.

Moreover, after consulting with the skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed, the board has asked him to return to Pakistan immediately and has handed over the responsibility to lead the side to the senior player, Shoaib Malik for the rest of the tour.

“In consultation with Sarfaraz, it has been decided that he will return to Pakistan immediately. Shoaib Malik will captain the team for the remaining ODIs and T20 internationals of the series, while Mohammad Rizwan has been included in the T20I side,” it added.