Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was caught on stump mic making a racist comment about South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo, leading to a four-match ban.
During the 2nd ODI between South Africa and Pakistan in Durban, Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed was caught on the stump microphone making a racist comment in Urdu directed at South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo. The comment translated to "Hey black guy, where's your mother sitting today? What (prayer) have you got her to say for you today?"
The audio was picked up by the stump microphones and went viral on social media, prompting an ICC investigation. Sarfraz initially denied any racial intent, claiming his words were taken out of context and were general sledging in Urdu. However, the ICC found the comment to be racially motivated.
Sarfraz was charged under Article 2.13 of the ICC Anti-Racism Code and banned for four international matches. He also issued a public apology to Phehlukwayo and to the South African team. The incident was widely condemned across the cricketing world and highlighted the ongoing issue of racism in cricket. It also effectively ended Sarfraz's captaincy tenure, as he was replaced as Pakistan's ODI captain shortly afterward.
Sarfraz banned for 4 matches under ICC Anti-Racism Code. Apologised publicly. Lost the Pakistan captaincy soon after.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians
10 May 2026
Tim David was fined 30% of his match fee and handed two demerit points after appearing to raise his middle finger towards the Mumbai Indians dugout as RCB's two-wicket win sealed MI's exit from IPL 2026 — a gesture broadcast cameras caught live and social media amplified within minutes.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings
18 May 2026
Ishan Kishan mimicked blowing a whistle at the Chepauk crowd and gestured for fans to leave after SRH's five-wicket win over CSK — a celebration that divided the cricket world, with R. Ashwin criticising him and Sunil Gavaskar defending him.
Punjab Kings
26 May 2026
Arshdeep Singh deleted more than 200 Instagram posts within 24 hours following Punjab Kings' playoff exit and a season defined by accumulating controversies — wiping his feed of team content, personal posts, and a viral reel with Virat Kohli, leaving behind only brand endorsements.