It is truly shocking to discover that the British Government did not want the ECB to cancel the men and women cricket teams’ Pakistan tour. But, of course, we know that the ECB did it for security reasons; or at least that’s what they claimed. But, they also assured PCB that they will continue their tour in 2022.
Why Did ECB Cancel The Pakistan Tour?
After the NZ Cricket Board called off their Pakistan tour, ECB also did the same thing. Over the weekend, they concluded that they wouldn’t continue the Pakistan tour due to security reasons. There were two T20 international matches scheduled for the men’s cricket team and three ODI games planned for the women’s cricket team, but all those efforts of the PCB are in vain now.
The ECB said that the pandemic conditions had caused enough stress on the athletes’ minds. So, putting them under the additional pressure of security issues won’t be good for them. Despite knowing that this decision will cause the PCB colossal damage, ECB proceeds with it.
Was The British Government Against This Decision?
While we may think that it was a ploy of the British Government, it is not valid. The British High Commissioner, Christian Turner, said in a Twitter video that the ECB took this decision on their own. They did not want the ECB to cancel this tour, but the ECB took this decision independently.
Aakhir main jeet cricket kee hogee #PakVsEng@iramizraja @TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/JNgOMcuD7Q
— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) September 21, 2021
The ECB said that they took this decision thinking of the welfare of their athletes. But, the British government was in full support of this tour, and their travel advise to Pakistan remains the same even after ECB’s decision.
England’s tour to Pakistan would have been a landmark because, since 2005, the men’s cricket team has not set foot in this nation. It would have been the first time their women’s cricket team set foot on this land. But, ECB’s one decision spoiled it all, and the government said they would ‘redouble’ their efforts to make sure the tour happens next year.
What Is PCB’s Reaction?
Christian Turner thanks PCB for being such a diligent host to them and agreeing to this cancelation. He also said that Pakistan cricket stadiums would roar again when the ECB continues their tour next year.
But, what is PCB saying to all these?
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said that he was expecting this decision from the ECB after NZC called off their tour. So, this decision did not come as a surprise to them. Although he claims to be disappointed in England’s cancelation of the tour, he was expecting it at the same time.
On Tuesday, Raja shared a video message on his social media, saying they always had one team to defeat on their target list: India. But, now they also have New Zealand and England to defeat after this unexpected withdrawal.
What We Think
We think PCB has a right to be disappointed in England because the ECB could have had Pakistan’s back here. Instead, they chose to support New Zealand. But, as the British government denies any influence on ECB’s decision, maybe they will continue the tour next year. We hope Pakistan does not lose its fighting spirit over this incident.
Read Also:
