Mumbai: New Zealand’s first cricket tour of Pakistan in 18 years has been abandoned after a New Zealand government security alert.
The side was scheduled to play Pakistan in the first three ODIs in Rawalpindi on Friday, before moving to Lahore for the five-match T20I series. New Zealand had to play their first match after 2003 on Pakistani soil.
https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1438800002042802178?s=20
“However, following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the BLACKCAPS will not continue with the tour,” NZC said in a statement.
NZC chief executive David White said it was not possible to continue the tour given the advice he was receiving.
“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,” he said.
NZC said arrangements were now being made for the team’s departure. Heath Mills, chief executive of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, echoed White’s sentiments.
“We’ve been across this process throughout and are fully supportive of the decision. The players are in good hands; they’re safe — and everyone’s acting in their best interests,” he said.
NZC said it will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the updated arrangements for the departing squad.
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