Pakistan cricketers in no mood to play after Peshawar school attack: Younis

Experienced Pakistan batsman Younis Khan says it will be extremely tough for the cricketers to go ahead with Wednesday's fourth One-Day International against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi following the killing spree at a Peshawar school.

Witnesses said at least 132 students and nine staff members died on Tuesday when Taliban gunmen broke into a school and opened fire in the bloodiest massacre Pakistan had seen for years.

"It is a national tragedy and a barbaric act. Playing the match is going to be very difficult," Younis 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."

Younis, who has featured in 96 Tests and 257 ODIs for his country, compared the situation to the one Australia experienced last month when opening batsman Phillip Hughes 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 added.

"It would not be a bad idea to postpone this game as well," said the 37-year-old Younis.

The players are to observe a minute's silence before Wednesday's match and will wear black armbands.

"Our minds and hearts are with these children," said Pakistan team manager Moin Khan.