Left arm spinner Aaron Phangiso made a little joke to entertain his teammates during the 2nd T20I at Wanderers on Sunday against England, but the taste of his humour has been condemned by Cricket South Africa officials. The 32-year-old imitated the act of snorting a line of cocaine from Quinton de Kock’s knee, and has now apologised for it.
The substitute fielder was filmed with Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada on the sidelines of the match, and Rabada’s eyes could be seen lighting up in surprise as Phangiso pulled off the stunt. Phangiso pretended to sniff something and then leaned back.
Phangiso apologised: “I was sharing a light and humorous moment with my team-mates, but in hindsight I realise it was a silly and irresponsible thing to do. I would like to apologise for my actions and to all those who I may have offended.”
Action inappropriate for South Afirca: CSA
The incident occurred while AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla were dispatching the England bowlers to all parts of the ground, and the camera happened to hover on the three players.
After the incident CSA's CEO, Haroon Lorgat highlighted the problem of drugs in the country of South Africs: “We understand that Aaron was sharing in a light hearted moment with his team-mates, but his action on television was inappropriate in the light of the drug problem that we are challenged with in South Africa.”
“We have asked team management to highlight the responsibility all players have in being positive and inspirational role models to the youth of this country,” he added.
CSA spokesman Altaaf Khazi had previously stated: “It was obviously a light-hearted moment and nothing serious was meant by it. But it was obviously inappropriate and the player will be reminded of his responsibilities when in the public eye.”
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