Explosive altercation between Pakistani cricketer, Afghan spectators rocks match

The Pakistan Cricket Board condemned the alleged verbal abuse of its players by Afghan spectators during a heated one-day international between Pakistan and New Zealand on Saturday.

“During the match today, foreign spectators hurled inappropriate remarks at [Pakistan] cricketers present on the field,” the PCB said in a statement after a 43-run loss to New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.

Khushdil Shah stepped in when anti-Pakistan slogans emerged from the stands, the PCB said.

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“Afghan spectators escalated the situation by using further inappropriate language in Pashto [a language primarily spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan],” the PCB said.

Stadium officials intervened and ejected “two disruptive spectators", the governing board added.

New Zealand swept the three-match series 3-0. The tourists lost the five-match T20 series 4-1.

Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq was retired hurt after suffering a mild facial injury, caused by an accidental throw from a New Zealand fielder in the third over of Pakistan’s run chase.

Imam underwent a CT scan at Tauranga Hospital and it reported as normal. He was diagnosed with a mild concussion, the PCB said. He was declared fit to fly back home with the team.