Johannesburg - Proteas spinner Aaron Phangiso has apologised for appearing to imitate snorting a line of cocaine caught on camera during the live broadcast of the second T20 International against England at the Wanderers on Sunday.
Phangiso was seen sitting next to teammates Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock, when he appeared to snort something off his leg before throwing his head back and smiling.
Read: Phangiso apologises for drunken rant
“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,” Phangiso said as the incident quickly hit the headlines in Britain's Daily Mail.
#SAvENG Umm what is Aaron Phangiso saying to Kagiso Rabada & Quinton de Kock here? pic.twitter.com/WTrhGcXIow
— Michael Sherman (@Golfhackno1) February 21, 2016
Cricket South Africa's CEO, Haroon Lorgat, said the behaviour of Phangiso was inappropriate. “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.” It is not the first time Phangiso has been in trouble for bad behaviour, as he was barred from a team flight in October for being intoxicated.
African News Agency
Why isn't SACA pulling Aaron Phangiso in line? They have strong player education programmes. This should not be happening.
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) February 23, 2016