SPORTS

New Zealand canceled the Pakistan series citing security threat

After almost a decade and a half, the New Zealand team is visiting Pakistan to play three one-day internationals and five Twenty20 matches

The first ODI of the Pakistan-New Zealand series was scheduled to start at 3.30 pm local time in Rawalpindi on Friday.

And an hour and a half before the start of the match, the New Zealand team announced that they will not play any match. No ball of the tour will roll on the field. The Kiwis are going back to the country without playing a single match.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White then issued a statement to say that it was simply not possible to continue with the tour given the advice he was receiving.

“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,” he stated in a press release.

New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills echoed White’s sentiments.

“The players are in good hands; they’re safe  – and everyone’s acting in their best interests,” Mills said.

NZC said it will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the updated arrangements for the departing squad.

The Pakistan Cricket Board, on its part said that New Zealand had unilaterally decided to postpone the series.

“Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Government made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured New Zealand Cricket of the same.

“The Pakistan Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team,” the PCB said in a statement.

The PCB said that the security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the hosts throughout their stay here.

“PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches.

“However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal. is in danger of being cancelled after the first match of the ODI series could not begin on time on Friday at the Pindi stadium,” it added.

The series was to comprise three ODIs and five T20 Internationals.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button
Close