…Two spectators ejected from venue after reportedly chanting anti-Pakistan slogans

An altercation between Pakistan cricketer Khushdil Shah and spectators during the third ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan in Mount Maunganui led to the ejection of two spectators from the venue.

According to a statement released by the PCB, the spectators were Afghanistan nationals shouting anti-Pakistan slogans. ESPNcricinfo has reached out to New Zealand Cricket for comment and clarification of the events.

The incident came to light with a photograph that showed Khushdil – who wasn’t playing the game – trying to go over the boundary rope during the second innings to confront someone who wasn’t pictured in the frame. He looked agitated, while security held him back, purportedly avoiding a more direct confrontation.

A statement from the PCB management said it condemned “the abusive language of foreign fans”. It said two Afghan spectators attempted to fight Khushdil after swearing at him in Pushto, a language spoken by people of Pakhtun heritage in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The PCB said it had made a complaint, following which the spectators were ejected. The incident comes amid heightened political tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose recent cricketing contests have been laced with acrimony and spectator trouble.

Pakistan did not have a much happier time on-field, either, losing the third ODI by 43 runs to succumb to a 3-0 series defeat. It was Pakistan’s sixth consecutive ODI defeat to New Zealand over the last two months, and caps a miserable tour of New Zealand following a disastrous Champions Trophy at home. New Zealand also won the preceding T20I series 4-1. (ESPN cricinfo)

Caption:

Khushdil Shah had to be restrained from getting into an altercation with some spectators in Mount Maunganui • ( AFP via Getty Images)