South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has stated that his team has chosen to forgive Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed for his crude comments directed towards Andile Phehlukwayo in the second ODI.
The Pakistan skipper’s controversial remarks with racial overtones were picked up by the stump mics towards the end of the play in the second ODI and he subsequently took to Twitter to issue a general apology.
“We forgive him because he said sorry,” du Plessis was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
“He has apologised and taken responsibility for it. It is out of our hands and ICC will have to deal with it now.
“When you come to South Africa, you have to be very careful when you make racial comments. 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.”
Sarfraz had issued a general apology on Twitter.
Sarfraz could still face some action from the ICC with match referee Ranjan Madugalle submitting his report on the matter. What punishment, if any, is handed out to the Pakistan skipper remains to be seen.
“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,” du Plessis continued.
The Proteas stalwart took a lighthearted dig at the Aussies too, saying, “We’re a very gracious team. We forgive easily. Maybe not so much when it’s Australia.”
The two teams are currently locked at 1-1 in the five-match series and will meet in the third ODI on Friday at the Centurion.