Suspended Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed promised to come back an improved person and player after being handed a four-match ban for racist remarks against South African all-rounder player Andile Phehlukwayo.

Sarfraz was heard on stump mic talking about Phehlukwayo’s skin colour, in Urdu, during the Durban ODI last week. The ICC suspended Sarfraz for four matches even as the wicketkeeper batsman apologised to Phehlukwayo and the South Africa team accepted the apology.

Sarfraz returned to Pakistan and was greeted by around 200 supported as he landed in Karachi on Tuesday.

“Whatever happened has happened,” Sarfraz was quoted as saying by AFP.

“I accepted my mistake and ICC’s decision is in front of you. I will improve myself and my performance in the future and I thank my supporters for their backing.”

Asked about PCB’s decision to send him back to Pakistan, Sarfraz said: “I don’t see anything in it as I was playing cricket for the last five months. I will rest and then play Pakistan Super League,” he said. The PSL starts in the UAE from February 14.