'Foreign Spectators Hurled Inappropriate Remarks': PCB Reacts After Khushdil Shah Clashes With Fans In New Zealand

'Foreign Spectators Hurled Inappropriate Remarks': PCB Reacts After Khushdil Shah Clashes With Fans In New Zealand

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News18.com

Last Updated: April 07, 2025, 11:15 IST

Pakistan cricketer Khushdil Shah clashed with the specators during the fifth ODI against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.

Khushdil Shah was held back by the officials at the venue as he reacted to the alleged abuse. (AFP Photo)

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has claimed that its players were verbally abused by “foreign spectators" triggering a reaction from allrounder Khushdil Shah during the third ODI against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui last week. Shah had a heated altercation with two fans at the venue with the Pakistan cricketer being held back by the security to prevent the situation from escalating.

The two fans were eventually ejected from the stadium.

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PCB later issued a statement, condemning the behaviours of the two fans.

“The Pakistan cricket team management has strongly condemned the abusive language directed at national players by foreign spectators," the statement read.

It claimed that inappropriate remarks were directed at Pakistan players and Shah reacted after hearing anti-national slogans.

“During the match today, foreign spectators hurled inappropriate remarks at cricketers present on the field. When anti-Pakistan slogans emerged, cricketer Khushdil Shah stepped in and urged the spectators to refrain," the statement read.

“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.

Pakistan lost the third ODI as New Zealand completed a 3-0 clean sweep.

New Zealand had earlier beaten Pakistan 4-1 in a five-match T20I series as well.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed the incident saying Shah reacted after alleged abuse of Pakistan players.

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“NZC can confirm two spectators were ejected from Bay Oval last night following an altercation with Pakistan squad member Khushdil Shah. The incident involved alleged abuse of Pakistan players in a foreign language, thought to be Pushto, and an angry reaction from Khushdil, who responded by confronting the pair. Ground security prevented the incident from escalating further and removed the offending spectators from the premises," NZC said.

Pakistani players will next be seen in action at the PSL 2025 slated to get underway from April 11.

First Published: April 07, 2025, 11:15 IST

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