Pak players manhandled after NZ whitewash
Pakistan cricket team players were abused and manhandled by irate fans after their 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on Saturday with allrounder Khushdil Shah coming to blows with a fan.
Police said two fans were expelled from the Bay Oval Stadium on Pakistan team management's complaint after exchange of hot words with Khushdil and Babar Azam.
A video footage sent to Telecomasia.net by a fan showed Khushdil and star batter Babar trying to trace a man who was constantly chanting against Pakistan and team players.
Khushdil said anything against the country was not accepted and slogans angered him no end.
"They were criticising players and the team but when they started abusing my country I got angry and went to this man but he did not stop. It was only after that I confronted him, Khushdil told Telecomasia.net."
Pakistan team management said some Afghan nationals escalated the tension.
An official statement said there was some trouble from the crowd and a few Afghan spectators escalated the situation by using further inappropriate language over which Khushdil went to them and tried to stop them.
Following the Pakistani team's complaint, stadium officials intervened and ejected the two disruptive spectators.
Photos circulating on social media showed Khushdil is stopped by a Pakistan reserve player Irfan Khan and a policeman as he tried to cross the fence to take on the abusing fan. Pakistanis residing in New Zealand were at the Bay Oval in good numbers but were left disappointed at the team's performance.
Haroon Ali told Telecomasia.net from Mount Maunganui: "We came from Auckland to watch the match with family but were left hugely disappointed as the Pakistan team played poorly.
"In fact, all my Indian colleagues in the office mocked us over the team's showing during this tour. We watched all the matches of the Champions trophy on the internet and were left shocked and angry at the team's winless campaign. Cricket is the only sport which gives us some entertainment and we enjoy it away from home." Telecomasia.net
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