Christchurch shooting: Cricket fraternity condemns ghastly attack

As soon as the news broke out, people from the cricketing fraternity took to their social media accounts to condemn the atrocity and offer condolences to the victims

The heinous shootout at two mosques in Christchurch created humongous chaos in New Zealand on Friday morning. The incident took at least 49 lives and numerous have been injured.

Several members of the Bangladesh cricket team, which was touring New Zealand for a bilateral series, had a close shave as they headed to the Masjid Al Noor mosque for Friday prayers just before the attack took place. Soon, the players rushed through Hagley Park to safety.

In the aftermath of this attack, Bangladesh cricket team’s tour of New Zealand came to an abnormal end as both the sides were scheduled to lock horns in the third and final Test that on 16 March in Christchurch.

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.

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 15, 2019

As soon as the news broke out, people from the cricketing fraternity took to their social media accounts to condemn the atrocity and offer condolences to the victims.

Here’re the reactions:

Shocking and tragic. My heart goes out to the ones affected by this cowardly act at Christchurch. Thoughts with the Bangladesh team as well, stay safe. 🙏🏻

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 15, 2019

So saddened about the attacks in Christchurch today. My heart and duahs go out to all the victims and their families ❤️

— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) March 15, 2019

Thoughts and prayers with everyone affected in the shooting in Christchurch. Horrendous scenes 😢🙏🏼

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) March 15, 2019

Shocked to see the visuals of shooting inside Christchurch’s Mosque. Are we not even safe inside places of worship now? #christchurch #NewZealandShooting pic.twitter.com/Qlkcq6TvOd

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 15, 2019

Shocked and strongly condemn the Christchurch, New Zealand, terrorist attack on mosques. This reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion. Prayers go to the victims and their families.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2019

Extremely sad news coming out of Christchurch this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with those effected 🙏

— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) March 15, 2019

There is no place that's safe for humanity because human beings are the biggest threat to this planet. #christchurchshooting

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 15, 2019

Horrifying tragedy #Christchurch. I found NZ one of safest, most peaceful places, people are friendly. Spoke to Tamim big relief B'desh squad/staff is safe. World must together! stop hatred!Terrorism has no religion! Prayers for bereaved families. May Allah bless the departed.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 15, 2019

Thoughts with all the families affected by today’s attack in Christchurch. Saddened. Fuck this.

— Ish Sodhi (@ish_sodhi) March 15, 2019

Meanwhile, ICC CEO Dave Richardson backed the move by the New Zealand and Bangladesh cricket boards and said, “Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this horrendous incident in Christchurch. Both teams, staff and match officials are safe and the ICC fully supports the decision to cancel the Test match.”