Bangladesh Team, Christchurch, New Zealand, Nazmul Hassan Pappon
Players of Bangladesh cricket team. Photo Credit: Twitter

Bangladesh Cricket team players narrowly escaped a shooting incident at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch ahead of the third Test against New Zealand. In the wake of this horrible incident, New Zealand Cricket in consultation with Bangladesh Cricket Board have decided to call off the third Test scheduled to begin from March 16 at the Hagley Oval.

Meanwhile, as per reports, the team were on a bus that was pulling up to the mosque near Hagley Oval for Friday prayers when the shooting began but none of the players were inside. Also, the players have returned safely back to the hotel but they were suffering from mental trauma. However, there have been reports of multiple deaths compelling New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as the darkest day in their history.

New Zealand Cricket chief David White expressed grief at this hour for all the victims. He also added that they have discussed with Bangladesh and decided that it is not the right time to play cricket. They have also promised to offer support to all those within the teams affected by this situation.

Police attempt to clear people from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, March 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
AP

“We are shocked and appalled, as I’m sure all New Zealanders,” NZC chief David White told TVNZ. “I have spoken to my counterpart in Bangladesh and we both agree that it’s inappropriate to play cricket at this time. We are offering support to all those within the teams affected by the situation and are continuing to take advice from authorities on the ground,” he added.

The incident took place around 1.45 pm local time when some of the team members had gone to pray near the venue while members of the coaching staff, with a few players, either at the hotel or the ground. Jalal Yunus, the spokesperson of the BCB, said that most of the players were on the bus when the incident happened and was about to enter the mosque. However, all the players safely back in the hotel but they are in a shock. He also added they had asked them no to go out of the hotel.

Soon after the incident, people took to Twitter to express grief and offer to stand with the families of the deceased. Fe of the Bangladesh players also took to social media to describe their feeling.

Twitter Reactions:

Ankush Das

I am an accountant by qualification, my parents thought their obedient son would study further to become a CA, but I had other things in mind. An ardent Cricket fan is following his passion and making...