Rawalpindi: The New Zealand cricket team decided to back out of their tour of Pakistan amidst emerging security minutes before the first match was scheduled to start at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
The tour, which would have seen the ”Black Caps” playing their first scheduled match in Pakistan in 18 years in a series of three ODIs and five T20Is, was abandoned on the matchday of the opening ODI after neither side left their hotel on the morning of the game as well as spectators being denied to enter the ground.
Following a period of much uncertainty, as details regarding the reason for the delay were to be given, New Zealand cricket released their official statement to postpone the tour.
The BLACKCAPS are abandoning their tour of Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert.
Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure.
More information | https://t.co/Lkgg6mAsfu
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 17, 2021
“Following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan and advice from NZC security advisor 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. “, The ‘Black Caps’ cricket board added in their statement.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, their Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke personally to New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern to assure about the security arrangements for the visiting team however, nothing had worked out.
The decision was further enhanced with NZC chief executive David White opening up about the advice, he got was such that made him take the decision to call off the tour which was backed convincingly by the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.
“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,” added White in a statement.
