Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has apologised for his controversial on-field comment, which was considered racist by many cricket fans, during the Men-in-Green’s second One Day International (ODI) against South Africa in Durban.

However, Ahmed had denied that his remark, which was caught on stump mic, was aimed at South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo or anyone in particular.

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“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,” Sarfraz wrote on his Twitter account.

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

“My words were not directed towards anyone in particular.”

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

“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,” Pakistan skipper added in another Tweet.

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

— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) January 23, 2019

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also issued a statement regretting the “unfortunate incident”.

Sarfraz must explain himself to Media & public regarding his comments to batsman.. pic.twitter.com/Ocx74ry4IW

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) January 23, 2019

“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,” a PCB release said.

I really hope that our captain gets away with minimal punishment out of this recent episode bcoz we need him for the coming World Cup as captain ..

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) January 23, 2019

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

“Captaining Pakistan is a massive honour and any hurtful remarks by any cricketer, let alone the captain, are not acceptable to the PCB.”