Skip to content

Abu Dhabi ODI: Proceeds donated to those affected by Peshawar massacre

Pakistan's players observe a two-minute silence in memory of those who died in Tuesday's Peshawar school massacre
Image: Pakistan's players observe a two-minute silence in memory of those who died in Tuesday's Peshawar school massacre

All proceeds from Wednesday’s one-day international between Pakistan and New Zealand in Abu Dhabi will be donated to those affected by the Peshawar school massacre.

The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for opening fire on the Army Public School in the city on Tuesday, which resulted in the death of at least 140 people, most of them students, while also leaving scores injured.

A Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson said: "We tried our best to postpone the fourth ODI but were constrained by the broadcasters’ commitment as well as for cricketing reasons advised by New Zealand management.

"We are playing outside Pakistan only because of the threat of terrorism at home. If we allow terrorists to disrupt our matches abroad, then all will be lost.

"So we have decided to go ahead with the match and our players will wear black armbands in grief and observe a minute's silence and flags will be lowered.

Latest Cricket Stories

"The PCB will donate proceeds of the match to the families of the martyred and towards rebuilding the school."

We are deeply disturbed by the series of events in Peshawar.
Team manager Moin Khan

Pakistan team manager Moin Khan said: "It is shocking. We are deeply disturbed by the series of events in Peshawar and at the loss of innocent kids' lives.

"May Almighty give patience to the parents of these kids who lost their lives, we share their grief and loss."

Pakistan's stand-in skipper Shahid Afridi said: "Obviously Pakistan is our country and if anything happens there it saddens us.

"Whether we are in Pakistan or away, it affects us. Ever since we heard this news we were saying that it should not have happened."

Pakistan have been playing their 'home' matches in the middle east since the Lahore terrorist attacks of 2009 forced them from their home country.

However, the PCB has postponed the match between Pakistan A and Kenya which was due to be played on Thursday and will now be staged on Friday.

Around Sky