At least 49 people were killed in the shootings at two mosques and more than 20 people were wounded. An international cricket match between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been canceled after players from the visiting team narrowly avoided a mass shooting at a mosque in Christchurch on Friday.
The Bangladesh players came within minutes of being inside one of the mosques when a gunman opened fire with an automatic rifle.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White later there had been a “joint decision” to call off the third test, which had been scheduled to start Saturday in Christchurch.
“On behalf of New Zealand Cricket heartfelt condolences to those affected,” White said. “I’ve spoken to my counterpart at Bangladesh cricket — we agree it’s inappropriate to play cricket at this time. Both teams are deeply affected.
“We are shocked and appalled … and we are offering support to all those within the teams affected by the situation and are continuing to take advice from authorities.”
Earlier, members of the Bangladesh cricket team described on social media how they narrowly avoided the mosque shooting on New Zealand’s South Island.
Players and members of the team’s coaching staff were reportedly on their bus, approaching the Masjid Al Noor mosque in Hagley Park when the shooting started.
Cricketers from around the world have condemned this barbaric attack on innocent souls.
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) 15 March 2019
Very shocked to hear about the shooting at Christchurch in New Zealand. Thoughts with the affected families.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) 15 March 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) 15 March 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) 15 March 2019
There is no place that’s safe for humanity because human beings are the biggest threat to this planet. #christchurchshooting
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) 15 March 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) 15 March 2019