‘When anti-Pakistan slogans emerged … ‘: PCB on Khushdil Shah incident | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Tensions boiled over after Pakistan’s crushing 3-0 ODI series loss to New Zealand, as all-rounder Khushdil Shah was involved in a heated exchange with two Afghan spectators at Bay Oval on Saturday.
The confrontation unfolded shortly after the match concluded, adding an unpleasant twist to an already disappointing day for the visitors.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Khushdil was subjected to verbal abuse from individuals in the stands who reportedly hurled anti-Pakistan slogans and inappropriate language.
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In a statement, the PCB said, “The Pakistan cricket team management has strongly condemned the abusive language directed at national players by foreign spectators. During the match today, foreign spectators hurled inappropriate remarks at cricketers present on the field.”
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“When anti-Pakistan slogans emerged, cricketer Khushdil Shah stepped in and urged the spectators to refrain. In response, Afghan spectators escalated the situation by using further inappropriate language in Pashto. Following the Pakistani team’s complaint, stadium officials intervened and ejected the two disruptive spectators,” it added.
Eyewitness videos circulating on social media showed Khushdil reacting emotionally, appearing to move toward the crowd before being held back by team officials.
The incident comes amid an already turbulent tour for Pakistan, who were outclassed in all formats.
In the final ODI, Pakistan fell 43 runs short of New Zealand’s 264-8 in a rain-shortened 42-over game.
Once again, their batting crumbled under pressure despite a solid start, with Babar Azam (50), Abdullah Shafique (33), and Mohammad Rizwan (37) showing some resistance.
Ben Sears continued his sensational run, claiming 5/34 to become the first New Zealander to take back-to-back five-wicket hauls in ODIs.
He was ably supported by Jacob Duffy (2/40), who claimed the crucial wicket of Rizwan.
Khushdil’s on-field performance was overshadowed by the post-match drama, but the PCB’s swift action and strong stance against spectator misconduct underscore the need for maintaining respect and decorum in international cricket arenas.
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