KIWIS PAK BAGS
Abandon tour of Pakistan citing security threat
Rawalpindi, Sept. 17: The New Zealand cricket team on Friday abandoned its ongoing tour of Pakistan just before the start of the first ODI here, citing a security threat which the host board insisted did not exist while declaring the pullout a unilateral move.
The New Zealand team will fly out of Pakistan in a chartered flight on Saturday, Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Wasim Khan confirmed.
This was New Zealand’s first tour of Pakistan in
18 years and the series comprised three ODIs and five T20 Internationals. Spectators were also to be allowed at 25 per cent of the stadium capacity keeping in mind the
COVID-19 factor.
The Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ramiz Raja said New Zealand will have to answer for the pullout at the ICC.
“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,” he tweeted.
Trouble began when the first ODI of the white-ball series could not begin on time at the Rawalpindi stadium on Friday with both teams remaining in their hotel rooms.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White eventually issued a statement to say that it was simply not possible to continue with the tour given the advice he was receiving from his government. The Black Caps have been here September 11.
“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.
The Pakistan Cricket Board, on its part, said that New Zealand had acted unilaterally by deciding to postpone the series.
The pullout is a major setback for Raja, who took over as PCB chief just a few days ago.
“Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Government made foolproof security arrangements
since
for all visiting teams. We have assured New Zealand Cricket of the same,” read a PCB statement.
“The Pakistan Prime Minister (Imran Khan) spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Jacinda Ardern) 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 touring team did not feature stars such as captain Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson and Lockie Ferguson, all of whom have IPL commitments.
New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills said the decision to withdraw is in the best interest of the players. “The players are in good hands; they’re safe and everyone’s acting in their best interests,” Mills said.
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 the ICC.
— RAMIZ RAZA PCB chief tweeted