RAWALPINDI: With assurances of security from the Pakistani government, but before the first ODI game, New Zealand Cricket has decided to postpone the tour to Pakistan. The official reason given is ‘security concerns.’
Tonight the Black Caps faced Pakistan in Rawalpindi, where they are facing the last of three ODI matches before proceeding to Lahore for the fifth match of their T20 series.
For almost two decades, the squad has received favourable ratings from a security expert assigned to investigate the issue.
PCB chairman Ijaz Butt informed New Zealand Cricket that a security warning had been issued about it, and the New Zealand Cricket board decided to unilaterally postpone the series without informing the PCB.
In response to the PCB, the government of Pakistan said that they had taken all the security precautions for all visiting teams, and they had also made sure the Black Caps were safe.
The prime minister of Pakistan spoke to the visiting prime minister of New Zealand personally and reassured him that we have one of the world’s best intelligence.
The security officials of the New Zealand team expressed satisfaction with the preparations made by the Pakistani government in preparation for their stay in Pakistan, according to the PCB.
According to the PCB, the board was prepared to continue the scheduled matches.
Disappointing for the lovers of cricket in Pakistan and across the world would be the last-minute retirement.
‘Continuing unable’
A New Zealand board member, on the other hand, said that their team is unable to continue with the expedition.
As a result of the security concerns raised by the New Zealand government, the BLACKCAPS are reportedly departing Pakistan.
Despite the increased threats to Pakistan from the New Zealand government and counsel, the BLACKCAPS trip has been cancelled.
Now that the team has departed, their departure has been scheduled.
Based on the facts provided, the CEO of the NZC indicated that he could not continue the trip.
This is our only responsible option; ensuring player safety is of critical significance.
We can honestly say that we have finished this process, and we enthusiastically support the result. All hands are in good shape. Everyone is secure. The players feel confident.
The security prime, Jacinda Ardern says
Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said that it called off the New Zealand Cricket team’s journey to Pakistan because the players’ safety was critical.
I thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ardern said Reuters. We are grateful to be in charge of the New Zealand Cricket Team, and the two leaders commended each other’s work.
We completely support the decision. In order to protect the player, the safety of the player must be of first concern.
