Tough times for Pakistan
Cricket had limped back to Pakistan after many years of silence. And the moment the Board planned to broaden its stature, the universe conspired. New Zealand decided to call off its first tour to Pakistan in 1■ years due to security issues, followed by England.
The Black Caps cancelled their white-ball tour a few minutes before the first ODI in Rawalpindi.
New Zealand Cricket chief David White (in pic) explained what led to the abandonment. “I was at home, and we got a call from a government agency informing us of a specific credible threat against the team,” he said. The Kiwis stayed in their hotel rooms and checked out without playing a single game.
The England and Wales Cricket Board cancelled its men’s and women’s series in Pakistan three days after the Black Caps’ withdrawal. The men’s team was due to play two T20IS in Rawalpindi in October ahead of the T20 World Cup.
It remains to be seen if NZC finds a window to complete the series against Pakistan in the near future.