Islamabad: The New Zealand Cricket Team canceled his tour to Pakistan on Friday, hours before the first match of Caps Black in the country in 18 years will begin at the Garrison City of Rawalpindi, citing security issues.
“After escalation at the level of the threat of the New Zealand government for Pakistan, and the advice of the NZC security advisor in the field, a black hat has not been continued with a tour,” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) posted on its website.
Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) said the tour was canceled “unilaterally” by NZC despite “very easy security settings”.
“PCB is willing to continue the scheduled match,” said the Pakistani cricket board (PCB).
“However, lovers of cricket in Pakistan and throughout the world will be disappointed with this last minute withdrawal.” This series will consist of three international one-day matches in Rawalpindi and five T20i in Lahore.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who made Tajikistan’s official visit, had spoken with the New Zealand partner Jacinda Ardern on Friday to convince his safety team.
“Our intelligence agent is one of the best intelligence systems in the world and according to them the New Zealand team does not face all types of threats,” Khan was quoted with Arden.
Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid also said the country’s security agent has not received a threat from the possibility of an attack on the New Zealand Cricket team.
David White, NZC’s chief executive, said it was impossible to continue touring with security advice that had been given to you.
“I understand this will be a blow to PCB, which has been an extraordinary host, but the safety of players is very important and we believe this is the only responsible choice,” he said.
PCB Chairperson King King Expresse D disappointment for the situation, signaling the possibility of protests to the International Cricket Council against the NZC Unilateral Decision.
Pakistani Bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar tweeted: “Nz just killed Cricket Pakistan.” He added that New Zealand must remember that nine Pakistan was killed in the attack of Christchurch and Pakistan it stands strongly with New Zealand.
Pakistan tries to convince NZ to play without a spectator.
The Pakistani government and security officials can be disappointed on Friday’s development as in addition to 4000 police, the command of the Special Services Group of Pakistani Army (SSG) is also deployed for the match in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan’s interior minister also said at a press conference that they even tried to convince New Zealand’s cricket to play matches without spectators.
“But they don’t even agree with this,” he said.
The New Zealand team will fly out of Pakistan in rented flight on Saturday.
PCB CEO Wasim Khan confirmed that rented flight will come to bring the New Zealand team back home.
“This is a very sad thing that happens today,” Khan said.