PCB Supports Khushdil Shah Following Confrontation with NZ Fans After ODI Series Loss
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Synopsis
Pakistan's tour of New Zealand concluded with controversy as Khushdil Shah faced off with mocking fans. The PCB defended him, citing abusive remarks from spectators. The team ended the tour with a disappointing record.
Key Takeaways
- Khushdil Shah confronted fans after receiving abuse.
- PCB strongly condemned the language directed at players.
- The team finished the tour with a poor performance record.
- Fans reportedly chanted anti-Pakistan slogans.
- Support staff intervened to prevent escalation.
New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) Pakistan's disastrous tour of New Zealand concluded not only with a third consecutive ODI loss but also with controversy as all-rounder Khushdil Shah lost his cool and engaged in a heated confrontation with mocking fans at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) subsequently released a statement acknowledging the incident and backing their player's actions, citing abusive language and anti-Pakistan chants from a group of foreign spectators, reportedly of Afghan origin.
Following Pakistan's 43-run defeat in the final ODI, which capped a disheartening tour that also saw them lose the T20I series 1-4 and the ODI series 0-3, Khushdil rushed towards a section of the audience. While the precise trigger remains unclear, video evidence and eyewitness reports indicate that the fans repeatedly taunted the team regarding their poor performance, ultimately pushing the 30-year-old cricketer to his limit.
The situation escalated quickly as Khushdil seemed to charge at the group before being restrained by support staff and teammates.
“The Pakistan team management strongly condemns the abusive language directed at national players. Khushdil Shah intervened after hearing anti-Pakistan slogans, but the situation escalated due to inappropriate remarks in Pashto,” the PCB stated. The offending fans were ultimately removed after an official grievance was filed by the Pakistani contingent.
The incident overshadowed yet another disappointing on-field display. Chasing 265 runs in a rain-shortened 42-over match, Pakistan once again struggled to gain momentum. Babar Azam's 50 and Mohammad Rizwan's quick 37 provided fleeting hope, but the remainder of the batting lineup faltered under pressure, undone by disciplined bowling from New Zealand, particularly Ben Sears, who secured his second consecutive five-wicket haul.
Khushdil Shah later informed Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) from New Zealand that he reacted after a fan began to insult Pakistan.
"They were criticizing players and the team, but when they started abusing my country, I got angry and approached this man, but he did not stop. It was only after that I confronted him," Khushdil stated.
Images circulating on social media depicted Khushdil being restrained by Pakistani reserve player Irfan Khan and a police officer as he attempted to cross the barrier to confront the abusive fan. Pakistani supporters residing in New Zealand were present in good numbers at the Bay Oval but left disheartened by the team's performance.
