Shakib Al Hasan thanks Almighty after his teammates escape Christchurch tragedy

It was a rerun of the horror scenes of 2009. Ten years ago, on a similar March morning, members of the national cricketers of Sri Lanka had a narrow escape from death after facing a terror attack and they were evacuated from the ground itself in an unprecedented situation. On Friday, also a day in March, it was the members of the Bangladesh cricket team who witnessed near death after a mass shooting took place in a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Over 40 people were killed in twin such shooting incidents. Players and members of the Asian team’s coaching staff were reportedly on a bus that was approaching the Masjid Al Noor mosque in Hagley Park when the shooting started. Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal later tweeted saying the “entire team got saved” and appealed to the supporters to keep them in their prayers.

Bangladesh Test captain Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the tour of New Zealand despite being picked because of a finger injury also expressed his worry over his teammates. He said he was grateful to the Almighty that the Bangladesh cricketers were unhurt. Shakib, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, has been granted a No-Objection Certificate by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to take part in the tournament though the board has also asked him to take workload carefully.

Here’s his tweet

I have nothing to say about the active shooting in New Zealand that took place all I want to say is I’m grateful to almighty Allah for saving my brothers my teammates! Alhamdulillah

— Shakib Al Hasan (@Sah75official) March 15, 2019

Third Test between NZ and Bangladesh canceled

As a result of the terror attacks, the third Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh which was to kick off in Christchurch on Saturday was called off. The Black Caps have already won the series by thrashing Bangladesh in the first two matches in Hamilton and Wellington.

New Zealand Cricket later confirmed that players of staff members of both the host and visiting teams were “safe and accounted for” before officially announcing the cancellation of the final Test.

“On behalf of NZC, heartfelt condolences to those affected. We’ve cancelled the game. I’ve spoken to my counterpart at Bangladesh cricket – we agree it’s inappropriate to play cricket at this time,” David White, the chief executive officer was quoted as saying by icc-cricket.com.

The BCB also tweeted to confirm the safe status of its players who it said were back in the hotel after the tragedy. The board was in constant touch with the players. The International Cricket Council supported the decision to cancel the Test and condoled the deaths.

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