PCB slams foreign spectators for abusive language towards Khushdil Shah

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday strongly condemned the use of abusive language by foreign spectators against national team players following a 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand in their ODI encounter.

The board's statement came after all-rounder Khushdil Shah was involved in an altercation with members of the crowd at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval.

According to the PCB, the situation escalated when spectators began chanting anti-Pakistan slogans after the match.

“Cricketer Khushdil Shah urged the crowd to refrain from such behavior,” the PCB said, adding that the situation worsened when Afghan fans responded with further inappropriate language in Pashto.

The incident reflects ongoing tensions between some Pakistani and Afghan fans, often fueled by broader political strains.

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have been particularly sensitive in recent months due to a surge in cross-border militant activity, which Pakistan alleges originates from Afghan soil—a claim Afghan authorities deny.

Following a formal complaint by the Pakistani team, stadium officials intervened and removed the two spectators involved.

The PCB reiterated its commitment to player safety and called for mutual respect in international sporting events.