Sarfraz Ahmed In Serious Trouble: Skipper’s Decisions And Behavior Likely To Have Repercussions 

A bad decision and poor on-field behavior during the Durban ODI have landed Pakistan’s captain Sarfraz Ahmed in serious trouble. So, here is a look at what he has done and how it can have repercussions for him.

Read: Pakistan’s ODI In Durban: Facts To Watch Out For!

The Racist Slur

Sarfraz was caught on the stump microphone while he was passing a racist comment that was directed at South African batsman, Andile Phehlukwayo. He was heard saying (in Urdu), “Black guy, where is your mother sitting today? What prayer did you ask her to say for you?”

Under the ICC code of conduct, such racist behavior can actually make way for Sarfraz being banned for a significant period of time. Hence, the skipper’s slur is most definitely an example of irresponsible and poor on-field behavior that has for sure, resulted in embarrassment for the entire country.

Read: Removal Of Sarfraz Ahmed And Mickey Arthur: Why It Won’t Help!

Coming Down The Order To Bat

Much to the surprise of everyone Shadab Khan and debutant Hussain Talat came in to bat before Sarfraz Ahmed. Hence, the skipper walked out at number eight rather than his usual number six position. The decision (particularly, if it was his and not Mickey Arthur’s) suggests that the wicket-keeper batsman was perhaps looking to hide while the ball was still new and when the South African fast bowlers were on song.

Sarfraz then finds himself being criticized right, left and center for his negative attitude and therefore, pressure as a result of the move is bound to mount on the 31-year-old.

Read: Why 2019 Is Likely To Be A Tough Year For Pakistan Cricket

Likely Repercussions

Sarfraz will most definitely be banned if South Africa complain or in any other way ICC gets involved. In such a scenario then Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will have no other choice than to name a stand-in captain.

In such a case a lot will also depend on the reserve wicket-keeper i.e. Rizwan and stand in captain’s performance. Eventually, a good performance from Rizwan or the stand-in skipper can most certainly cost Saifi his spot in the squad.

On the other hand, if South Africa choose to ignore the episode and if the ICC too chooses not to intervene then Pakistan’s captain might just manage to escape. However, the next couple of days should be extremely crucial for Sarfraz Ahmed.