Sports
A gunman opened fire on Friday prayers at a mosque in New Zealand killing many worshippers and forcing the city of Christchurch into lockdown as police launched a massive manhunt.
Updated : Mar 15, 2019, 01:13 PM IST
A gunman opened fire on Friday prayers at a mosque in New Zealand killing many worshippers and forcing the city of Christchurch into lockdown as police launched a massive manhunt.
The Bangladesh cricket team also narrowly escaped the shooting and forced the cancellation of a Test match against hosts New Zealand.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 15, 2019
The team were on a bus that was pulling up to the Al Noor mosque near Hagley Oval for Friday prayers when the shooting began. Mario Villavarayen, the team's strength and conditioning coach, said it had been a close call.
Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said “They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel”.
All members of the Bangladesh Cricket Team in Christchurch, New Zealand are safely back in the hotel following the incident of shooting in the city. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is in constant contact with the players and team management.#christchurchMosqueAttack
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 15, 2019
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ahern has also described the terrorist attack as 'one of New Zealand's darkest days'.
The incident has shocked the sporting fraternity and many are voicing their anger since news of the attack broke.
Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers #christchurchMosqueAttack
— Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) March 15, 2019
There is no place that's safe for humanity because human beings are the biggest threat to this planet. #christchurchshooting
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 15, 2019
Shocked and strongly condemn the Christchurch, New Zealand, terrorist attack on mosques. This reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion. Prayers go to the victims and their families.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2019
Thoughts and Prayers to the family’s affected in the mosque shooting in Christchurch. Devestating news.... this is just not Kiwi Love to all in NZ and around the world stop this Idiotic Bullshit.
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) March 15, 2019
My heart is hurting about the news coming out of Christchurch. Sending love & prayers to the effected families pic.twitter.com/7PX9wc56b8
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) March 15, 2019
Very shocked to hear about the shooting at Christchurch in New Zealand. Thoughts with the affected families.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 15, 2019
When you have to avoid live shooting and gunshots in New Zealand, you know the world is in a bad place. Relieved to hear the Bangladesh cricket team is safe.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 15, 2019
For so long I’ve watched world events from afar and naively thought we were somehow different in our little corner of the world, somehow safe. Today is a terrible day. Disgusted and saddened doesn’t begin to describe it.
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) March 15, 2019
Shocked to hear about the shootings in Christchurch. My heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. Thoughts prayers and love with all the people affected by this tragic incident. Wishing the injured a full and speedy recovery.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) March 15, 2019
And now ‘sleepy’ NewZealand gets first touch of terror..Christchurch is shocked by serious twin attack on Mosques..B’Desh Cricketers get mighty escape..what’s the World coming up to..?!! Are humans safe anywhere..?!! Kiwis wouldn’t harm a fly...but..?!!!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) March 15, 2019
New Zealand had won the ODI series between the two teams. They were also leading the three-match Test series 2-0.