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Cape Town - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement expressing their disappointment at the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to suspend Sarfraz Ahmed.
The ICC handed the Pakistan skipper a four-match suspension following his remarks to Andile Phehlukwayo during the second ODI in Durban.
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.
The PCB expressed its "utmost disappointment" with the decision, adding that they will argue the suspension at the ICC forums.
"The PCB notes the ICC decision on Sarfaraz Ahmed with its utmost disappointment. PCB had anticipated that the matter had been resolved amicably between the two players and the two Boards following Sarafraz Ahmed’s public apologies which were accepted by the player, the Board and South Africa cricket team.
"The PCB will be pursuing this matter at the ICC forums with the objective to bring reforms to the Code, promoting amicable resolutions to issues as opposed to penalties. Having said that, the PCB reiterates its zero-tolerance approach towards racist comments and behaviour."
The PCB also confirmed that Sarfraz would return immediately to Pakistan.
"In consultation with Sarfaraz, it has been decided that he will return to Pakistan immediately. Shoaib Malik will captain the team for the remaining ODIs and T20 internationals of the series, while Mohammad Rizwan has been included in the T20I side," the statement ended.
The deciding fifth and final ODI between the Proteas and Pakistan starts on Wednesday at Newlands (13:00).
