Emotions ran high during Pakistan’s painful defeat against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, as a group of angry fans clashed with national team players, resulting in an unpleasant scene at the stadium.
According to sources, the incident occurred when three foreign cricket fans -- believed to be of Afghan origin -- began shouting inappropriate and abusive remarks at Pakistani players following the team’s poor performance. Their behaviour sparked visible frustration among the players and fans alike.
Things escalated when Pakistani cricketer Khushdil Shah tried to intervene, asking the fans to stop using offensive language and raising anti-Pakistan slogans. A heated exchange followed, and photos from the incident show Khushdil visibly angry, with a stadium official attempting to restrain him.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that after Khushdil’s intervention, the fans responded with even more vulgar language, this time in Pashto, further worsening the situation.
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The Pakistani team management condemned the incident, stating that while criticism is part of the game, abuse and disrespect towards national players cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said foreign fans shouted inappropriate words at national players during the match, at which cricketer Khushdil Shah intervened and appealed to the fans to stop chanting anti-Pakistan slogans.
"In response, the Afghan fans made matters worse by using more obscene words in Pashto," the PCB statement said, adding that following a formal complaint by the Pakistani team, stadium authorities took swift action, and two of the disruptive fans were evicted from the venue for their behaviour.
Officials at the stadium have reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for players and spectators of all nationalities.
