The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday condemned the use of “abusive language” by foreign spectators targeting Pakistan players following the national team’s 3-0 series defeat against New Zealand in their one-day international (ODI) campaign.
The incident took place after the third ODI at Mount Maunganui, where Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah was seen engaging with fans in response to verbal abuse.
According to a statement issued by the PCB, spectators hurled inappropriate remarks and anti-Pakistan slogans at players present on the field.
“When anti-Pakistan slogans emerged, cricketer Khushdil Shah stepped in and urged the spectators to refrain,” the board said. “In response, Afghan spectators escalated the situation by using further inappropriate language in Pashto.”
Tensions between some Afghan and Pakistani fans have surfaced in the past, often mirroring the strained political and security ties between the two neighbouring nations.
The incident occurs amid a backdrop of increased militant activity in Pakistan’s western provinces bordering Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of harbouring militant groups responsible for cross-border attacks, a claim Afghan officials have consistently denied, calling Pakistan’s internal security challenges an issue for Islamabad to resolve.
The PCB confirmed that following the Pakistani team’s complaint, stadium officials intervened and ejected the two disruptive spectators.
The board has urged greater crowd control and security enforcement at future international fixtures to prevent such incidents.