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Pakistan's batting all-rounder Khushdil Shah was involved in a physical altercation with a few fans after the visitors' series whitewash against New Zealand. At the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, Khushdil was stopped and dragged by the security as he charged towards the fans crossing the barricade. Reportedly, the fans taunted him after Mohammad Rizwan-led side's 43-run defeat in the third ODI of the series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement condemning the abusing language towards Khushdil.
"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," the PCB said.
Khushdil warmed the benches during the ODI series. In the T20I series he registered scores of 32, 2 and 6. In the 42 overs per side game due to wet outfield, Pakistan were bowled out for 221 in 40 overs. The Michael Bracewell-led side set a 265-run target.
Khushdil will be playing under the captaincy of David Warner for Karachi Kings in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. He will be seen in action when Karachi Kings lock horns with Multan Sultans at their homeground on April 12.
Rizwan on series defeat to New Zealand
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan lauded Babar Azam for scoring two half-centuries and left-arm chinaman bowler Sufiya Muqeem for standing out. He credited New Zealand for outclassing them in all departments of the game.
"Disappointing series for us. (Positives) Babar was in good touch with two fifties. Naseem Shah's batting as well. In the bowling, Sufiyan Muqeem was the guy who bowled really well. I give credit to New Zealand in all departments. They've been playing well. We know that these are difficult conditions for us here but they played in Pakistan really well. They played against us in Pakistan. There are professionals in all departments," Rizwan said in the post-match presentation.
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"We need to improve, that's it. In New Zealand, it's very important to play well against the new ball. We'll learn from here and fix it. If you lose, you can't say like that (when asked if today was their best performance of the tour). Individually we are good. New Zealand won all the key moments," he added.
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However, Rizwan intends to move on from the seven ODI defeats in a row including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He wants to focus on the PSL 2025.
"After Champions Trophy and this series, we'll leave the past. PSL is a big tournament for us in Pakistan, hopefully our nation will enjoy. Hopefully we'll do well in PSL," he concluded.
