New Zealand's fourth one-day international against Pakistan is going ahead as planned in Abu Dhabi, despite the school massacre in Peshawar.
Following the Taliban attack on the Peshawar school where 141 people, including 132 children, were killed, veteran batsman Younus Khan said it would be extremely tough for his side to take the field.
"It is a national tragedy and a barbaric act. Playing the match is going to be very difficult," Younus told Geo Super television.
"How do you play a match when your spirit is not in the game? That is our state of mind right now."
Younus compared the situation to the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, who died after being struck on the head by a bouncer.
"When Phil Hughes died it shocked every one of us and we postponed a day's play in the test match against New Zealand," he said.
"It would not be a bad idea to postpone this game as well."
But both teams have confirmed via Twitter on Wednesday evening that the match would go ahead as planned - starting at midnight NZ time.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said earlier on Wednesday they were waiting to hear from Pakistan on its desired course of action for the match "and will be guided by what they feel is appropriate".
"Everyone at New Zealand Cricket are shocked by the tragic events in Peshawar and our hearts go out to those affected, as well as the Pakistan team and cricket family," he said.
The players are to observe a minute's silence before the match and will wear black armbands, Reuters reports.
Pakistan now plays their "home" matches in the United Arab Emirates for fears of violence on the subcontinent.
They lead the five-match series 2-1.
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