Khushdil Shah in ugly fan clash in NZ, PCB says anti-Pakistan slogans provoked him-OxBig News Network

Pakistan cricketer Khushdil Shah was involved in a heated confrontation with a couple of spectators that nearly escalated into a physical altercation at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, 5 April. The Pakistan batter had to be restrained by security personnel as he attempted to climb over a fence and charge towards the fans, who were reportedly hurling abuse at the Pakistan cricket team.

The incident occurred in the aftermath of Pakistan’s 43-run defeat in the third and final One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand, resulting in a 0-3 series whitewash. Emotions were clearly running high, and tensions boiled over near the boundary rope following the conclusion of the match.

NZ vs PAK, 3rd ODI: Highlights | Full Scorecard

A video widely circulating on social media shows Khushdil Shah being held back by security guards as he attempts to confront a fan who can be heard shouting aggressively. The same video shows another security official dragging the heckler away from the field before the situation was brought under control.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued an official statement defending Khushdil Shah, asserting that the cricketer’s reaction was provoked by abusive remarks from a group of spectators. The board also stated that the Pakistan players were subjected to anti-Pakistan slogans, allegedly from Afghanistan supporters present at the venue.

“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,” read the PCB’s statement released on Saturday.

“When anti-Pakistan slogans emerged, cricketer Khushdil Shah intervened and appealed to the spectators to desist. In response, Afghan spectators further escalated the situation by using inappropriate language in Pashto. Following a formal complaint lodged by the Pakistan team, stadium officials intervened and ejected the two disruptive spectators from the premises,” the statement added.