LAHORE – The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday pulled out of the Pakistan tour citing security threats.
The announcement comes minutes before the start of the first ODI match between Pakistan and the Black Caps in Rawalpindi.
This tour, in which New Zealand was to play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty-20 matches, was scheduled to be held from 17 September to 3 October.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board in a statement said that Pakistan made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams.
“We have assured the New Zealand Cricket of the same. The Pakistan Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team,” it said.
New Zealand’s decision has disappointed the cricket fans, who have thronged to Twitter to share their reactions.
A user named Daniel Alexadar said, “Sri Lanka played all 3 formats in Pakistan. South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh & Zimbabwe played in Pakistan. Many Int’l cricketers played for World XI & PSL in Pakistan, including New Zealand cricketers. All these were possible only because Pakistan safe for cricket.”
Sri Lanka played all 3 formats in Pakistan. South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh & Zimbabwe played in Pakistan. Many Int'l cricketers played for World XI & PSL in Pakistan, including New Zealand cricketers. All these were possible only because Pakistan safe for cricket. #Cricket
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) September 17, 2021
Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar has called the decision “unnecessary” and “uncalled for”.
We will rise from this. And soon.
Ghabrana nahi hai. Not the first time we've been pushed against the wall. Unnecessary and uncalled for decision by @BLACKCAPS . https://t.co/FBB71FVlzm— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 17, 2021
The security situation in Pakistan is great and satisfactory. Extraordinary security has been provided to the New Zealand team. After complete assurance and satisfaction, Call for this last minute withdrawal of the series by NZ is so sad. Sorry to our cricket fans 😞 #PAKvNZ
— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) September 17, 2021
Just what Players of NZ said Yesterday
"We had a dozen or so police cars behind us, & armed soldiers around us at all times, & a lot of cars in the motorcade. We felt as though we were extremely safe,"
New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill opens up about the Pakistan tour#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/wwFYC0A54w— Developing Pakistan (@developingpak) September 17, 2021
VIP protocol, foolproof security, status of state guests and still New Zealand Cricket team has security concerns. That too just before the match after staying in Rawalpindi for four days and having practice sessions on the same ground. This is absurd.#NewZealand #NZvPAK
— Muhammad Omar (@Oomii0101) September 17, 2021
Read more: https://pakobserver.net/new-zealand-pull-out-of-pakistan-tour-over-security-threats/
