‘Shocking and tragic’: Virat Kohli condemns Christchurch Mosque Shooting

India skipper Virat Kohli expressed grief over a shooting at a mosque in Christchurch in New Zealand on Friday, forcing the cancellation of a test match between visitors Bangladesh against hosts New Zealand

India skipper Virat Kohli expressed grief over shooting at two mosques in Christchurch in New Zealand on Friday, forcing the cancellation of a test match between visitors Bangladesh against hosts New Zealand as both the sides were scheduled to lock horns in the third and final Test that on 16 March in Christchurch.

The deadly terror attack at two mosques in Christchurch took at least 40 lives and left at least 20 injured.

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

The Bangladesh team was on a bus that was approaching the Al Noor mosque on the eve of the third test at nearby Hagley Oval when the shooting began, bdnews24.com reports.

Mario Villavarayen, the team's strength and conditioning coach, said it was a close call.

"Their bus was just pulling up to the mosque when the shooting began," he said. "They are shaken."  A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) spokesman said: "All our players are now safe... We have told them not to step out."

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 some reactions:

Went to New Zealand recently. It’s such a beautiful and peace loving country. Sad to hear about what happened there. Praying for the families of the deceased. 🙏

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) 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

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

If you’re not disgusted by the massacre in Christchurch then I am disgusted at you. What the f*** is wrong with some people? 😡😡😡😡😡

— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) March 15, 2019

New Zealand Cricket said they had chosen to cancel the test, which was the final match of the tour, after discussions with the BCB.

"I spoke to my counterpart in Bangladesh and we agree it's inappropriate to play cricket at this time," chief executive David White told TVNZ.

"Arrangements are being made for the return of the Bangladesh team home as soon as possible," NZC said in a statement.

(With IANS inputs)