The New Zealand team has called off its Pakistan tour due to security concerns issued by their government. This decision has been immensely shocking for the Pakistani government. The nation has not witnessed many international cricketers on its soil since 2009, when a bus full of Sri Lankan cricketers was attacked by gunmen.
Why Did The NZ Government Cancel The Tour?
The BLACKCAPS are abandoning their tour of Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert.
Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure.
More information | https://t.co/Lkgg6mAsfu
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 17, 2021
It was a shocking turn of events when NZC did not turn up on the field on Friday, which was the opening day for the ODI match. When both the teams did not arrive on time for the toss, people thought maybe both camps had some covid positive cases. However, the cause of this delay was much more shocking than anyone could imagine.
NZC had released to the press that they were abandoning the 3 ODI and 5 T20 matches due to security concerns at the RawalPindi stadium. However, they also confirmed that they would be flying back soon with their squad because their own security advisors on the ground found security threats.
Even the Prime Minister of Pakistan spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, assuring him that there were no security threats on the field. But, it was all in vain. The NZC chairman decided to pull the team out of the series, and currently, their departure is being arranged. They did not shed light on the details of security threats, but their decision was final.
What Is PCB’s Reaction To This Event?
The Pakistani Cricket Board made foolproof security arrangements for the NZ players, but the NZC canceled the tour despite their efforts. PCB chairman said that the NZC took this decision ‘unilaterally.’ They even said that they are willing to reschedule the matches, but it will undoubtedly disappoint the cricket lovers in the nation.
Earlier today, the New Zealand cricket board informed us that they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series.
PCB and Govt of Pakistan made fool proof security arrangements for all visiting teams. 1/4
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 17, 2021
Even the prime minister. Still, it assured the NZ Prime Minister that ISI is one of the best security intelligence organizations globally, and they said that the black caps did not face any threat. But nothing could convince the team to stay and play the games because the NZ security officials had detected some threats on the Rawal Pindi Ground.
What they are saying! #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/6fSiQF8MqZ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 17, 2021
NZC CEO David White thanked the Pakistani government for all their efforts and said that the country had been a wonderful host. But, they can’t put the players’ lives at risk, and their safety is of paramount importance.
The Aftershock
It seems like the NZC cancelation brought some other bad news for Pakistan. Shortly after canceling the tour, the England and Wales Cricket Board said they would rethink their decision to continue their time. ECB asked for 24-48 days to confirm their arrival on Pakistani soil.
Both the men and women cricket teams of England are due to play T20 matches in Pakistan on 13th, 14th, 17th, 19th, and 21st October. But, they also may cancel the tournament because of what NZC did.
One of the ECB spokespeople said that they support NZC’s decision to pull out from the match. So, currently, they are scrutinizing the situation in RawalPindi ground with their security officials and say they would share confirmed news between 1-2 days.
Closing Thoughts
Currently, the NZ team is preparing for their departure. Even though they understand how shocking it is for PCB, they can’t help thinking of their safety first. We hope we will soon get some real news if the ECB will continue their tour or not, so let’s hope for the best.
