Cricketers join global outcry over New Zealand attacks

ANKARA

Cricket players across the globe on Friday slammed the terror attacks on two mosques in New Zealand which claimed nearly 50 lives.

Gunmen attacked Muslims who were attending Friday prayers in Christchurch city of the country, killing at least 49 and wounding many others. Four people, including a woman, have been arrested following the shooting.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern termed the mass shooting as a “terrorist incident”.

“There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was," Ardern told media. "It is clear this is one of New Zealand's darkest days."

The terror attacks invited global outcry and solidarity with the victims. Cricket players around the world also expressed solidarity and prayed for the victims.

Coincidentally, Bangladesh’s international cricket team was present in the same city for a test match with New Zealand scheduled to begin from Saturday.

Reports said that the visiting Bangladesh cricket team had a close shave from the terror attacks as the players were about to enter the mosque for the Friday prayer.

Bangladeshi batsman Tamim Iqbal wrote about the horrific incident on social media.

“Entire team got saved from active shooters. Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers,” the opening Bangladeshi batsman wrote on Twitter.

Bangladesh cricket team performance analyst Shrinivas Chandrasekeran said: “Just escaped active shooters. Heartbeats pumping badly and panic everywhere.”

“Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque. We (were) extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us,” said Bangla player Mushfiqur Rahim.

Scheduled match cancelled

Soon after the attack, New Zealand cricket body announced that the scheduled cricket match was cancelled.

The venue for the match was the Hagley Oval cricket ground, not far from the site of the attack.

Inviting condemnation from all quarters, New Zealand Cricket spokesperson wrote on its Twitter handle, Black Caps: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch.”

New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham said that he would never have thought that such an incident could come to pass in idyllic New Zealand.

Another New Zealand cricketer Mitchell John McClenaghan wrote on Twitter: “Devastating news.... this is just not Kiwi… Love to all in NZ and around the world stop this Idiotic Bullshit.”

Legendry Indian cricketer VVS Laxman expressed shock over the terror incident. “Very shocked to hear about the shooting at Christchurch in New Zealand. Thoughts with the affected families,” he said on the Twitter.

Harsha Bhogle, a cricketer commentator, said on Twitter: “When you have to avoid live shooting and gunshots in New Zealand, you know the world is in a bad place. Relieved to hear the Bangladesh cricket team is safe.”

Kumar Sangakara, former Sri Lankan cricket team captain, said he was shocked to learn about the shootings in the mosque.

“Shocked to hear about the shootings in Christchurch. My heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. Thoughts prayers and love with all the people affected by this tragic incident. Wishing the injured a full and speedy recovery,” he said on Twitter.