We forgive him because he said sorry: Faf du Plessis says on Sarfaraz Ahmed's racially charged on-field taunt

Ahmed, a Champions Trophy-winning skipper, was caught on camera making racially abusive comments against South African cricketer Andile Phehlukwayo during the course of South Africa's tense chase at Kingsmead.

"We forgive him because he said sorry," du Plessis was quoted as saying by Espncricinfo website.

"He has apologised and taken responsibility for it. It is out of our hands and ICC will have to deal with it now," the skipper said.

South Africa beat Pakistan in the second ODI match of the tournament.

According to Dawn News report, as South African batsman Andile Phehlukwayo got lucky despite playing a risky shot, a stump mic picked up Sarfraz saying: "Hey black [man], where is your mother sitting? What prayer did you get her to say for you today?" (Abay kaalay, teri ammi aaj kahan baitheen hain? Kya parhwa ke aya hai aaj tu?).

Sarfaraz apologises:

As his on-field activity triggered a controversy, Sarfaraz was quick in apologising for his remarks.

"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," he tweeted.

The cricketer said: " 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 across the globe and will always respect and honour them on and off the field."

Shoaib Akhtar asked Pakistani skipper to explain his comment:

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was quick in responding to the event and tweeted: " Sarfraz must explain himself to Media & public regarding his comments to batsman."

Image: PCB Twitter page