Christchurch terror attack ‘shocking and tragic’, says Virat Kohli

The cricketing fraternity expresses its shock at the incident on Twitter.

A police officer patrols at a cordon near a mosque in central Christchurch on Friday. Photo: AP

On Twitter , the cricket fraternity condemned the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 49 people in New Zealand.

Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, called the incident “shocking and tragic.”

He wrote on Twitter , “Shocking and tragic. My heart goes out to the ones affected by this cowardly act at Christchurch. Thoughts with the Bangladesh team as well, stay safe.”

James Neesham, the New Zealand international, was left stunned. “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,” he tweeted.

‘Shattered’

Rohit Sharma, the India batsman, on Twitter , wrote, ““Heartbreaking news coming out from New Zealand. What’s happened to humanity?”

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Harbhajan Singh, the off-spinner, wrote, “Shattered with this terrible news. Another terror attack. Where are we all heading. These cowards have no religion. Thoughts and prayers are with all the victims.”

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The incident was “absolutely devastating,” wrote Michael Clarke, the Australia captain.

Dav Whatmore, the cricket coach, wrote, “Very sad news coming out of Christchurch, New Zealand. Condolences to all families whom have lost a loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.”

PCB condemns attack

The Pakistan Cricket Board, too, condemned the terrorist attack. Players belonging to the Pakistan Super League clubs based out of Peshawar and Islamabad wore black armbands during their contest in Karachi.

In a statement, Ehsan Mani, the PCB chairman, said: “On behalf of the Pakistan cricket fraternity, I would like to condemn in the strongest possible way the cowardly, uncivilised and inhuman terrorist attacks on the innocent worshippers in Christchurch mosques.”

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy who will feel and understand their pain and loss better than us. In these difficult times, we also stand firmly with our colleagues in New Zealand Cricket and offer our deepest condolences,” Mani added.