Playing cricket matches with the Pakistan cricket team apart from ICC events has become a concern for other cricketing nations. In 2009, Sri Lankan national cricket team toured Pakistan, and during the 2nd test match, when Lankan players were on their way to play Day 3 of the test match, they were attacked by terrorists.
Six of the players were injured, and 6 Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed. Since then, they were touring or playing with Pakistan comes with a significant safety concern. New Zealand decided to abandon its ongoing tour before 1st ODI, claiming a security threat, which the host board assured does not exist. This was supposed to be New Zealand’s first scheduled match in Pakistan in 18 years for three ODIs and five T20 Internationals.
BLACKCAPS CLAIMS TO RECEIVE SAFETY ALERTS
New Zealand Cricket said it received a security alert from its government and decided to cancel the tour. The issue started when the 1st ODI of the tour, which was due to be played in Rawalpindi stadium, couldn’t start on time, and players had to stay in hotels which raised a few suspicions.
However, New Zealand has decided not to disclose the nature of the security threat. New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White then issued a statement saying.
“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,”
“Following an aggravation in the New Zealand government danger levels for Pakistan and guidance from NZC security counsels on the ground, it has been chosen the Black Caps won’t proceed with the tour. “Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure.”
PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARD FURIOUS
The crossing out is a huge misfortune for Pakistan, which has been attempting to revive visits by other cricket-playing nations after home internationals were suspended in the fallout of a 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team. .there were rumors’ of Pakistan trying to get back to New Zealand by boycotting them in the upcoming ICC World Cup T20, But PCB chief executive Wasim Khan declined all the rumors’ as he stated.
“Right now there is no issue of us not playing NZ,” Khan said at a Zoom press conference on Sunday. I think we just need to be very careful in terms of perspective. “We have a duty to the fans and we have to fulfil that.” He also ruled out players wearing black armbands in protest.” We don’t want to take that route showing any sort of political gesturing and posturing and any sort of visible protest.”
He said Fans were also disappointed, and a few of the former cricketers took it on social media to express their disappointment. PCB chairman Ramiz Raja hinted they would protest to the International Cricket Council against NZC’s unilateral decision.
“Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players,” Raja tweeted. “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.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board said Prime Minister Imran Khan talked to New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern and informed her.
”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 Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan government made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting nations.We have guaranteed the New Zealand Cricket of something similar.”
DID THE TOUR CANCEL OR POSTPONED?
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is very much interested in rescheduling the tour. However, New Zealand said it would not reveal any details of the security threat nor the updated arrangements for the departing squad. It will be interesting to see what decision the New Zealand cricket board will make.
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