Virat Kohli condemns New Zealand terror attack, calls it 'shocking and tragic'

The terror attack on two New Zealand mosques, that led to the death of 49 people and from which the Bangladesh cricket team had a narrow escape, drew condemnation from the cricket fraternity with India captain Virat Kohli calling it "shocking and tragic".

The shooting attacks took place on two Christchurch mosques with one gunman -- identified as an Australian extremist -- apparently live streaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the city.

The Bangladesh team was close to one of the mosques but managed to escape unscathed. However, the incident led to the tour being called off.

"Shocking and tragic. My heart goes out to the ones affected by this cowardly act at Christchurch. Thoughts with the Bangladesh team as well, stay safe," Kohli tweeted.

Shocking and tragic. My heart goes out to the ones affected by this cowardly act at Christchurch. Thoughts with the Bangladesh team as well, stay safe. 

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 15, 2019

New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham said the incident has left him stunned.

"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," he tweeted.

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

Senior India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also took to the social media platform to express his disgust, saying "no place in this planet is safe for humanity".

"...Because human beings are the biggest threat to this planet," Ashwin wrote.

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

India batsman Rohit Sharma expressed his solidarity with the victims.

"Heartbreaking news coming out from New Zealand. What's happened to humanity?" he tweeted.

Heartbreaking news coming out from New Zealand. What’s happened to humanity? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 15, 2019

Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh added, "Shattered with this terrible news..Another terror attack. Where are we all heading. These cowards have no religion. Thoughts and prayers are with all the victims."

Shattered with this terrible news..Another terror attack. Where are we all heading. These cowards have no religion. Thoughts and prayers are with all the victims.#christchurchMosqueAttack — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 15, 2019

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke and ex-Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore also expressed their support to the victims. 

"Horrific news out of Christchurch! Absolutely devastating. Thoughts and prayers go out to all affected at this extremely sad time," Clarke tweeted. 

Horrific news out of Christchurch! Absolutely devastating. Thoughts and prayers go out to all affected at this extremely sad time  — Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 15, 2019

Whatmore added, "Very sad news coming out of Christchurch, New Zealand. Condolences to all families whom have lost a loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected." 

Very sad news coming out of Christchurch, New Zealand. Condolences to all families whom have lost a loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. — Dav Whatmore (@dfwhatmore) March 15, 2019