Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand ended in controversy after an on-field struggle turned into a heated altercation with fans. All-rounder Khushdil Shah lost his temper following Pakistan’s 43-run defeat in the third and final ODI at Mount Maunganui, where the team suffered a 3-0 whitewash. As the players walked off the field, Khushdil confronted a section of the crowd that hurled personal taunts at him. Security personnel and teammates intervened to defuse the situation, but Khushdil continued his exchange with the spectators. Videos of the incident have gone viral.
Reports suggest that two Afghan fans were involved in the altercation and used abusive language toward Pakistani players. The Pakistan team management later lodged a complaint.
The incident came after Pakistan collapsed for 221 while chasing a 265-run target in a rain-affected 42-over match. The defeat added to the team’s struggles, as they had won only one T20I in the five-match series following a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
Earlier in the tour, Khushdil faced disciplinary action for inappropriate physical contact with a player. He was fined 50% of his match fees and received three demerit points for colliding with New Zealand bowler Zakary Foulkes in the first T20I in Christchurch.
