"World Is In Bad Place": Sports Fraternity Reacts To Christchurch Shooting

Reports of a mass shooting at a Christchurch mosque on Friday morning, in close vicinity of the visiting Bangladesh team, has rocked the world of sports. The 3rd Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh, which was scheduled to start on Saturday morning at the Hagley Oval, not far from the site of the attack, has been cancelled and the visitors are expected to head back home.

Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque in Christchurch and were about to go inside for Friday prayers when the incident happened.

"They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP.

The incident has drawn condemnation from all quarters. New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham, voicing what many around the world have been feeling since news of the attack broke, has said he would never have thought that such an incident could come to pass in idyllic New Zealand.

Very shocked to hear about the shooting at Christchurch in New Zealand. Thoughts with the affected families.

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 15, 2019

My heart is hurting about the news coming out of Christchurch. Sending love & prayers to the effected families???? pic.twitter.com/7PX9wc56b8

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) March 15, 2019

When you have to avoid live shooting and gunshots in New Zealand, you know the world is in a bad place. Relieved to hear the Bangladesh cricket team is safe.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 15, 2019

For so long I've watched world events from afar and naively thought we were somehow different in our little corner of the world, somehow safe. Today is a terrible day. Disgusted and saddened doesn't begin to describe it.

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) March 15, 2019

There is no place that's safe for humanity because human beings are the biggest threat to this planet. #christchurchshooting

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 15, 2019

Shocked to hear about the shootings in Christchurch. My heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. Thoughts prayers and love with all the people affected by this tragic incident. Wishing the injured a full and speedy recovery.

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) March 15, 2019

And now ‘sleepy' NewZealand gets first touch of terror..Christchurch is shocked by serious twin attack on Mosques..B'Desh Cricketers get mighty escape..what's the World coming up to..?!! Are humans safe anywhere..?!! Kiwis wouldn't harm a fly...but..?!!!

— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) March 15, 2019