Cape Town – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement following an incident involving skipper Sarfraz Ahmed’s during the second One-Day International (ODI) in Durban on Tuesday.

The incident occurred in the 37th over of South Africa’s run-chase at Kingsmead when Andile Phehlukwayo got an inside edge off a Shaheen Afridi delivery that narrowly missed the stumps.

As Phehlukwayo, who was on 50 at the time, ran to the non-striker’s end, Sarfraz was heard on the stump microphone saying in Urdu: “Abey kaale, teri ammi aaj kahaan baitheen hain? Kya parwa ke aaye hai aaj?“.

When translated into English, that means: “Hey black guy, where’s your mother sitting today? What (prayer) have you got her to say for you today?”

Sarfraz has since gone on to apologise on Twitter, saying he “had no intention of upsetting anyone” and
“did not even mean for my words to be heard, understood or communicated to the opposing team or the cricket fans“.

WATCH: Pakistani great slams Sarfraz’s racist chirp

The PCB released a statement on the “unfortunate” incident on Thursday:

“The PCB expresses regret over the remark made by their captain Sarfraz Ahmed and picked up by the stump mic during the second ODI against South Africa in Durban. The PCB neither endorses nor supports any comments that have the potential to cause offence, and firmly reiterates their zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments made; in whatever context.

“This incident has also highlighted the importance and significance of player education and training at all levels. The PCB endeavors to improve their player education programmes to ensure these types of incidents do not happen again.

“Sarfaraz is one of the most respected cricketers in the world. However, captaining Pakistan is a massive honour and any hurtful remarks by any cricketer, let alone the captain, are not acceptable to the PCB.

“The PCB is confident that this incident will not affect the series, which has been played in great spirit with some excellent performances from both side. The PCB is also hopeful that the crowds will continue to turn up in big numbers for the remaining matches to support cricket.”

The third ODI between South Africa and Pakistan gets under way on Friday in Centurion (13:00).

1/2 – I wish to extend my sincere apologies to any person who may have taken offence from my expression of frustration which was unfortunately caught by the stump mic during yesterday’s game against SA. My words were not directed towards anyone in particular and…

— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019

2/3 – I certainly had no intention of upsetting anyone. I did not even mean for my words to be heard, understood or communicated to the opposing team or the cricket fans. I have in the past and will continue in future to appreciate the camaraderie of my fellow cricketers from…

— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019

3/3 – …across the globe and will always respect and honour them on and off the field.

— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019