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RAWALPINDI, (MANEND NEWS): The New Zealand cricket team on Friday backed out
of its tour of Pakistan over security concerns minutes before the first match was
scheduled to start at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
In a statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board said that New Zealand Cricket (NZC)
informed the board they had been alerted to “some security alert” and unilaterally decided
to postpone the series.
The New Zealand contingent in Pakistan is now preparing to leave the country. The NZC
said Pakistan had been “wonderful hosts” but added that player safety was “paramount”.
The touring board said it “will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the
updated arrangements for the departing squad”.
In his reaction to the decision, PCB Chairman Ramiz Hassan Raja said it had been a
“crazy day”, saying he felt sorry for the fans and Pakistani players. “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 New Zealand living in?? New Zealand will hear us
at ICC,” he wrote.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she totally supported New Zealand Cricket’s decision
to pull out of the tour. “When I spoke with the Prime Minister of Pakistan I conveyed our
thanks for taking care of the New Zealand Cricket team,” Ardern said in a statement sent
to a foreign news agency. “I know how disappointing it will be for everyone that the
game hasn’t gone ahead, but we totally support the decision that’s been made. Player
safety has to be paramount.”
Meanwhile, the PCB said Pakistan had “foolproof security arrangements for all visiting
teams” and had “assured NZC of the same”.
The statement said that Prime Minister Imran Khan also personally spoke to Ardern and
informed her that Pakistan had “one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that
no security threat of any kind” existed for the visiting team.
“The security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security
arrangements made by the government throughout their stay,” the statement said, adding
that the PCB was willing to continue the matches.
“Cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute
withdrawal,” the PCB said.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand cricket board said in a statement that it was abandoning the
Pakistan tour due to a “government security alert”. However, it did not comment on the
details of the security threat or updated arrangements for the departing squad.
“The side was to play Pakistan this evening (Friday) in the first of three ODIs in
Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series.
“However, following an escalation in the New Zealand government threat levels for
Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisers on the ground, it has been decided the
Black Caps will not continue with the tour,” the statement said, adding that arrangements
were being made for the team’s departure.
In the statement, NZC chief executive David White said it was simply not possible to
continue with 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.”
New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills added: “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.”
PTI’s Senator Faisal Javed Khan expressed disappointment over New Zealand cricket’s
decision, saying that it is “beyond understanding.”
Shortly after New Zealand pulled out of the Pakistan cricket series, the England and
Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it would determine in the next 24-48 hours whether it
will proceed with the tour or not.
England’s men and women teams are due to play two T20s in Rawalpindi on October 13
and 14. The women’s team are also due to play three ODIs in Pakistan on October 17, 19
and 21. “We’re aware of New Zealand’s decision to pull out of the Pakistan tour due to a
security alert,” said an ECB spokesperson.
“We are liaising with our security team who are on the ground in Pakistan to fully
understand the situation. The ECB Board will then decide in the next 24-48 hours
whether our planned tour should proceed.”
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at the New Zealand cricket
authorities for cancelling the series unilaterally, saying that Pakistan has been
embarrassed in front of the world.
“We stand firm with our government, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), our army and
security agencies,” said the Rawalpindi Express, speaking to a private TV channel said.
“I agree that the ISI is the number one intelligence agency in the world,” he said. “You
[New Zealand authorities] arrived here after obtaining security clearance. You have no
right to embarrass Pakistan like that and leave,” he added, angrily.
Akhtar lashed out at New Zealand, saying that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern should
have shown some regard for PM Imran Khan when he spoke to her. “He [PM Imran
Khan] is speaking to you based on facts, then how can you embarrass us on such a high
level?” he asked. Shoaib said that it was unfrotunate for PCB chief Ramiz Raja, who took
over the reins of the board a few days ago.
“You have to understand that Pakistan’s image has been damaged. I am not concerned
about Pakistan cricket at the moment, I care for the country’s image,” he said.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Sikander Bakht lashed out at the New Zealand authorities,
questioning its “security alert” excuse to abandon the tour. “They practiced here for five
days. Not a single stone was hurled at them. Withdrawing at the last minute is very
disappointing,” he said.
Bakht said Pakistan had facilitated countries around the world by playing Test matches in
difficult conditions, in England and elsewhere. “We went the extra mile for them, we
played Test matches for them,” he said. “And they are the ones who hit us. I was saying
at the time that they [New Zealand] will not come to Pakistan and the same has happened
now,” he added. “For God’s sake, do not help them [New Zealand] again,” he urged the
PCB.
Meanwhile a statement by the New Zealand cricket board confirmed the development,
saying that it had decided to cancel the tour “following an escalation in the New Zealand
Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the
ground.” Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure, said the press
release.
New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said it was a “blow for the PCB, who have been
wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only
responsible option.” NZC will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the
updated arrangements for the departing squad, concluded the press release.
The New Zealand cricket team had arrived in Pakistan on September 11 for the first time
in 18 years to play three ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals. The ODI series against
New Zealand was supposed to be played at the Rawalpindi Stadium, with matches
scheduled for Sept 17, 19, and 21, while the Gaddafi Stadium was slated to host five
T20s from Sept 25 to Oct 3.