The terror attack on two New Zealand mosques, that led to the death of 49 people and from which the Bangladesh cricket team had a narrow escape, drew condemnation from the cricket fraternity with India captain Virat Kohli calling it “shocking and tragic”.
The shooting attacks took place on two Christchurch mosqueswith one gunman — identified as an Australian extremist — apparentlylivestreaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the city.
The Bangladesh team was close to one of the mosques butmanaged to escape unscathed. However, the incident led to the tour being calledoff.
“Shocking and tragic. My heart goes out to the onesaffected by this cowardly act at Christchurch. Thoughts with the Bangladeshteam as well, stay safe,” Kohli tweeted.
New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham said the incident hasleft him stunned.
“For so long I’ve watched world events from afar andnaively 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 todescribe it,” he tweeted.
Senior India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also took tothe social media platform to express his disgust, saying “no place in thisplanet is safe for humanity”.
“…Because human beings are the biggest threat to thisplanet,” Ashwin wrote.
India batsman Rohit Sharma expressed his solidarity with thevictims.
“Heartbreaking news coming out from New Zealand. What’shappened to humanity?” he tweeted.
Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh added: “Shatteredwith this terrible news..Another terror attack. Where are we all heading. Thesecowards have no religion. Thoughts and prayers are with all the victims.”
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke and ex-Sri Lankacoach Dav Whatmore also expressed their support to the victims.
“Horrific news out of Christchurch! Absolutelydevastating. Thoughts and prayers go out to all affected at this extremely sadtime,” Clarke tweeted.
Whatmore added: “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.”