Just IN: New Zealand's Tour Of Pakistan Abandoned Just Before 1st ODI Due To Security Reasons

New Zealand’s historic tour of Pakistan has been abandoned just minutes away from the start of the first ODI at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that the decision was taken after receiving a security alert from the country’s government.

Just a few mins away from the toss in the first ODI, it was revealed that the players were asked to go back to their dressing rooms. The fans were also disallowed from entering the stadium. The rationale behind that decision was revealed when it was made known that the New Zealand government threat levels for Pakistan were on the rise.

Even NZC’s security advisors, who had earlier given the green light for the series, raised concerns regarding the match. The tour, in its entirety, was therefore abandoned and arrangements are being made for the safe return of the Kiwi players.

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. Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure #PakvNZ #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) September 17, 2021

The New Zealand Cricket chief executive assures the safety of the players

New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills revealed that they are in charge of the situation at hand. The tour, which would have been the first Kiwi tour of Pakistan in over 18 years, had to be cancelled without a choice.

“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,” Mills said.

“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,” NZC chief executive David White said.

The BLACKCAPS are abandoning their tour of Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert #PakvNZ #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) September 17, 2021

Pakistan Cricket Board states that the series has been postponed for the time being

There were divided opinions among the board regarding the status of the series. Although NZC confirmed that the tour had been abandoned, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) termed that the boards had decided to postpone the series.

“Earlier today, the New Zealand cricket board informed us that they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series. PCB and Govt of Pakistan made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the NZ cricket board of the same.”

“The 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,” an official statement from PCB read.

The PCB further asserted that the security concerns were cleared before the start of the tour. They couldn’t find a reason for the late abandonment. It also made its stance clear on the series by confirming that they’re open to hosting the Kiwis again.

“The security officials with the NZ team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Govt of Pakistan throughout their stay here. PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last-minute withdrawal,” the statement said.

NZC has declined to comment on the details regarding the security threats or the flight arrangements for the Kiwi squad.

Also Read – Virat Kohli Giving Up T20I Captaincy Is The Right Move – Brad Hogg