New Zealand vs Bangladesh: Christchurch Test called off after shooting incident

The upcoming third Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh in Christchurch has been canceled as a result of the mosque shootings on Friday afternoon. The final match of the three-Test series was scheduled to get underway on March 16 at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The updates comes just a couple of hours after the Bangladesh players narrowly escaped a shooting incident at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch.

The players had gone to the mosque in the afternoon to offer their prayer but were not allowed to leave the bus after gun shots were heard. The panicked players along with some staff members then decided to leave the bus and walked straight to the Hagley Oval where they were locked inside the dressing room. On the other hand, the players and the staff members, who were in the hotel, were instructed not to come out of their rooms.

Local reports confirm that there have been multiple deaths following shooting at mosques and a hospital in Christchurch.  Such was the devastation caused by the ghastly shooting that New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern termed it one of New Zealand’s darkest days.

New Zealand Cricket confirmed the news of the cancellation of the game on Twitter while stating the players and the 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.

With the game being called off, New Zealand has bagged the three-match series 2-0 after winning the first two games.

Players not in a mental frame to play:

Following the incident, the Bangladesh players are reportedly not in a condition to take the field.  Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said the team is safe but “mentally shocked” following the shooting incident. Bangladeshi sports journalist Mohammad Isam, who was very close to the scene, said that the players want to fly back home as soon 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.

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