The third Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand has been called off due to a tragic incident. On Friday afternoon shooting incident happened at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch. The match was also scheduled at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch on March 16.
Fortunately the Bangladesh players escaped narrowly from the tragic incident. They had gone to the mosque in the afternoon to offer their prayers. But after reaching the mosque they head gun shots. As a result they weren’t allowed to leave the team bus.
As a result the players and the staff members started panicking. After a while they left the bus and walked straight to the Hagley Oval. There they were locked inside the dressing room to keep them safe. The players and staff members who were in the hotel were instructed not to leave the hotel.
According to local reports, there were multiple deaths at the mosque and a nearby hospital. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called it as the darkest day of the country. New Zealand Cricket cancelled the Christchurch Test and also said that all players and staff members are safe.
“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 @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe,” wrote New Zealand Cricket.
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Players not in right mental condition to play
As a result, the Kiwis have bagged the three-match series 2-0 as they already won the first two. After the incident the Bangladesh players are not in the correct mental state to play.
Jalal Yunus, Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman, said that the team is safe bu they are “mentally shocked” to witness the incident. Mohammad Isam, a Bangladeshi sports journalist who was very close to the scene, said that the team wants to fly back home as early as possible.
“I don’t think they’re in a mental state to play cricket at all. I think they want to go back home as soon as possible. I’m speaking from experience, I’m speaking from what I’ve heard. Everyone is at the Hagley Park dressing room … two players are back at the hotel. They didn’t come out for the prayers so they are back at the hotel and the entire coaching staff are safe,” he was quoted as saying by New Zealand Herald on Friday.