New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) Pakistan’s disastrous tour in New Zealand concluded not only with a third consecutive ODI loss but also with controversy as all-rounder Khushdil Shah lost his composure 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 affirming the incident and standing by their player’s response, attributing the situation to abusive remarks and anti-Pakistan slogans from a segment of foreign, allegedly Afghan, spectators.

After Pakistan suffered a 43-run defeat in the final ODI, rounding off a dispiriting tour that saw them lose the T20I series 1-4 and the ODI series 0-3, Khushdil stormed toward a part of the crowd. While the precise cause remains uncertain, video evidence and eyewitness reports indicate that the fans persistently taunted the team over their poor performances, ultimately pushing the 30-year-old cricketer past his breaking point.

The situation escalated rapidly as Khushdil seemed to charge at the group before being restrained by team staff and teammates.

“The Pakistan team management strongly denounces the abusive language directed at our national players. Khushdil Shah intervened upon hearing anti-Pakistan slogans, but the situation intensified due to inappropriate comments made in Pashto,” said the PCB. The offending spectators were eventually removed following an official complaint from the Pakistani team.

This incident overshadowed yet another disappointing on-field performance. Chasing 265 in a rain-impacted 42-over match, Pakistan again failed to gain traction. Babar Azam’s 50 and Mohammad Rizwan’s quick 37 provided fleeting optimism, but the remainder of the batting lineup faltered under pressure, undone by disciplined bowling from New Zealand, particularly Ben Sears, who achieved his second consecutive five-wicket haul.

Khushdil Shah later disclosed to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) from New Zealand that he reacted after an individual began abusing Pakistan.

"They were criticizing players and the team, but when they started abusing my country, I became angry and approached this man, yet he did not cease. It was only after that I confronted him," stated Khushdil.

Images circulating on social media depicted Khushdil being held back by Irfan Khan, a reserve player for Pakistan, and a policeman as he attempted to breach the barrier to confront the abusive fan. Pakistani supporters residing in New Zealand gathered in numbers at the Bay Oval but were left disheartened by the team's performance.