Sarfraz Ahmed’s on-field racist comment draws fierce criticism

KARACHI: Pakistani cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmed has landed himself in trouble after mics at the stumps caught him passing racist remarks at South African cricketer Andile Phehlukwayo. Standing behind the wickets, Ahmed was heard saying, “Abay kaalay. Teri ammi aaj kahan baithi hein? Kya parhwa ke aaya hai aaj?” (“Hey black guy. Where’s your mother seated today? What prayer has she made for you today?”)

Read:Urdu slang you need to immediately stop using

So far, no official statement has been made against the Pakistani wicket-keeper and it’s yet to be seen whether his comments come under the International Cricket Council ‘s (ICC)code of conduct for player misbehaviour or are in violation of the organisation’s anti-racism code. Under the ICC’s anti-racism code “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,” is considered an offence.

Ahmed’s remarks sparked outrage on social media, but there were some who chose to defend the skipper. Here are some Twitter reactions:

Many called for strict action to be taken against Ahmed:

Even Shoaib Akhtar condemns Ahmed’s behaviour and asked him to issue a public apology.

While some were defending the cricketer:

 

Watch the video of Ahmed making racist comments to Phehlukwayo here:

People in South Asia often use the word Kaala or kaalu for a person who has a dark complexion. The word is often used either as a ‘joke’ or in a demeaning manner. Ridiculing someone for his/her complexion is outrageous and racist.