The third Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh, scheduled to be played on March 16 at the Hagley Oval, has been cancelled in the aftermath of the mosque shootings in Christchurch.
Players from the Bangladesh team narrowly had escaped the shooting incident at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch before they safely made it back to their hotel. According to Reuters, the team were on a bus that was pulling up to the mosque near Hagley Oval for Friday prayers when the shooting began but none of the players were inside.
There have been reports of multiple deaths following a shooting at a mosque in Christchurch, an incident that prompted New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to term it one of New Zealand’s darkest days.
The players returned unscathed, but were mentally scarred with Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal taking to twitter to express their shock and asking followers to pray for their safety.
The BCB and NZC in a joint decision decided to call off the game at the Hagley Oval. “We are shocked and appalled, as I’m sure all New Zealanders,” NZC chief David White told TVNZ. “I have spoken to my counterpart in Bangladesh and we both agree that it’s inappropriate to play cricket at this time. We are offering support to all those within the teams affected by the situation and are continuing to take advice from authorities on the ground.”
NZC added that arrangements were being made for the return of the Bangladesh team as soon as possible. They have also decided to cancel the two remaining fixtures between the New Zealand Development team and Australia’s U19 women’s team that were due to take place over the weekend at Lincoln’s Bert Sutcliffe Oval.
The decision brings to an end Bangladesh’s series in New Zealand, with the third Test scheduled to end a tour that saw them also play three ODIs.
“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,” ICC Chief David Richardson said.
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