Few hours before the first One Day International between Pakistan and New Zealand was about to commence, the hosts received a big blow as the NZC board decided to pull out from the tour. The Blackcaps board decided to abandon the tour following a security threat alert by the New Zealand government.
The Kiwis was going to play a three-match one day international series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi and thereafter move to Lahore for a five-match T20I’s. However, to every cricket fan’s despair, the New Zealand cricket team will go back home without playing a single game
Subsequently, the New Zealand Cricket Board released a statement on social media to give their reasons for abruptly backing out of the tour against Pakistan.
“The side was to play Pakistan this evening in the first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five match T20 series. However, following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the BLACKCAPS will not continue with the tour. Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure.”
Further, the Blackcaps Chief Executive David White said that abandoning the tour was the only option in concern with player safety. “I understand this will be a blow for the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option.”
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Pakistan Cricket Board officials unhappy with New Zealand Pulling out from the tour at last minute
The New Zealand Cricket team called off the tour against Pakistan just minutes before the toss. As a result, PCB was left in shock with this decision. Following this cancellation of the tour, Ramiz Raja who is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed his anger towards NZC in a tweet.
Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC.
The PCB also shared their disappointment in a statement on social media. “Earlier today, the New Zealand cricket board informed us that they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series,“
With the cancellation of the tour against New Zealand, the Pakistan Cricket Board will have to suffer a huge loss. Moreover, this will also affect their upcoming home tours against England and Australia in the next 12 months. In the end, the New Zealand board has not specified the exact details regarding the threat alert that they received from their government.
Comment below your thoughts about the cancellation of the tour between Pakistan and New Zealand.
