Attacks force third test to be abandoned
Bangladesh players narrowly avoid carnage as they arrive at Christchurch mosque for Friday prayers as gunman opens fire
Niall Anderson
The third cricket test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled, after the horrific shootings at two central Christchurch mosques yesterday.
The test — planned to begin this morning — was called off late yesterday after terror attacks left at least 49 people dead.
One shooting happened just minutes away from Hagley Oval, where the test was set to be held, and the Bangladesh team narrowly avoided the massacre.
The team had just arrived at the Al Noor Mosque for Friday prayers when a gunman opened fire, with players having to flee the scene.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White confirmed that NZC and Bangladesh Cricket jointly decided to call off the test.
“We have cancelled the game. I have spoken to my counterpart at Bangladesh Cricket — we agree it’s inappropriate to play cricket at this time.
“Both teams are deeply affected. “As a country, we’ll have to look [at security of visiting teams]. It seemed to be a safe haven. I’m sure all of New Zealand will take a look at their approach.”
This is the first time a test in New Zealand has been called off.
Two tests have previously been abandoned due to rain, while three tests overseas involving New Zealand have been cancelled due to terror attacks. The most recent was a bombing in Karachi in 2002, which saw the second of two tests against Pakistan cancelled before a ball was bowled.
Mohammad Isam, a Bangladeshi journalist for Cricinfo who was on the scene, said all the Bangladeshi players were safe but wanted to immediately fly home.
“It was very traumatic there and people were running out from that mosque presumably, and the Bangladesh players were coming out. [The players] are in terrible and severe mental [distress], they’re not feeling well.
“They were just outside the mosque about to get off from the bus and go in when they heard shooting and a lot of people running out and they saw someone wounded in front of them.
“And seeing that, they didn’t get off the bus. About 10 minutes later, they ran out of the bus and ran through Hagley Park and into the Hagley Oval.”
Bangladesh Cricket confirmed all their team members safely made it back to the team hotel, while the Black Caps were training at Lincoln, 30 minutes away from Hagley Oval, and were all safe and accounted for.
Other matches in the region to be cancelled were two clashes between the New Zealand women’s development cricket team and the Australia under-19 women, as well as a second division Beko League netball game between Mainland and Northern.
The Super Rugby match tonight between the Highlanders and Crusaders in Dunedin is still scheduled to proceed.
The Chiefs and Hurricanes observed a moment of silence before their match last night, as did the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters in their NRL clash.
A similar mark of respect is planned for the Warriors’ NRL season opener against the Bulldogs at Mt Smart this afternoon.
Many sporting identities also shared their respects on social media for the victims of the attacks.
All Blacks and Blues midfielder Sonny Bill Williams, a devout Muslim, posted a heartfelt message saying he was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Just heard the news and I couldn’t put it into words how I’m feeling right now. Just sending my duas to the families,” an emotional Williams said.
“Inshallah you guys are all in paradise and I’m just deeply, deeply sad that this would happen in New Zealand.”
All Blacks captain Kieran Read was in lockdown at a school hall in Christchurch, waiting for two of his three children, Elle and Eden.
“Sending my thoughts to all victims today,” he wrote in an Instagram story. “Locked in the school hall waiting for the girls.”
The Herald understands the school in Papanui was on such high alert, the children were permitted only a little water as they weren’t allowed access to toilets.
It is understood the children all returned home safely.
Bangladesh players also tweeted about their terrifying experience.
“Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers,” Tamim Iqbal wrote.
“Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque. We r extremely lucky. Never want to see this things happen again . . . pray for us,” wrote Mushfiqur Rahim.