New Zealand, Bangladesh Test match called off after Christchurch mosque shootings

 

CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand and Bangladesh on Friday cancelled the Third Test after multiple people were killed in gun attacks on mosques in Christchurch, including one that was attended by the Bangladeshi team.

Multiple fatalities were inflicted at two mosques in Christchurch, when at least one gunman opened fire on worshippers, with the Bangladeshi cricket team narrowly escaping danger.

The New Zealand Cricket Board confirmed the news of the Test match being called off on Twitter, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the BCB has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed that all members of the team present at the site of the shooting were safely back at the hotel.

“All members of the Bangladesh Cricket Team in Christchurch, are safely back in the hotel following the incident of shooting in the city. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is in constant contact with the players and team management,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board tweeted.

The Bangladesh cricket team is in Christchurch to play New Zealand in a third cricket Test starting on Saturday.

“They were on the bus, which was just pulling up to the mosque when the shooting begun,” Mario Villavarayen, strength and conditioning coach of the Bangladesh cricket team, told Reuters in a message. “They are shaken but good.”

 

Bangladeshi cricketer Tamim Iqbal Khan said on Twitter: "Entire team got saved from active shooters!!!"

"Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers," he added.

Mushfiqar Rahim also took to social media and wrote, " Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque...we r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us."