Pakistan's Tour Of Netherlands Postponed Due To COVID-19

Updated - 23 Apr 2020, 05:34 PM

Josh Hazlewood, Pakistan
Pakistan (Credits: Twitter)

Pakistan National Cricket Team’s tour of Netherlands in July has now been postponed. A Dutch government decision on the restriction of sporting events in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cricket board (KNCB) to postpone all fixtures of the 2020 summer.

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought the world to a standstill. It seems the world as a whole has gone into isolation and things keep worsening with days passing by. The sporting spectrum has also faced a lot due to the outbreak of the pandemic. Major cricketing action all across the globe has come to a standstill.

(Photo Credits: AFP)

Pakistan cricket has also suffered a huge loss as their premier T20 tournament, PSL 2020, has also been postponed until further notice.

Pakistan Tour Of Netherlands Postponed Due To COVID-19

The KNCB announced on 22 April that following a ban on all sports and cultural events until September 1, 2020, the T20I series against New Zealand, the quadrangular series with Namibia, Oman and the USA, and their opening fixtures of the new ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, against Pakistan, would be affected.

Betty Timmer, Chair of KNCB, said in a statement, “It is extremely disappointing that we won’t be able to host any international cricket in the Netherlands this summer. However, the health and safety of the players, staff and fans is our main priority.”

Pakistan
Pakistan (Photo: AAP)

“We truly hope that by next season the situation is under control again, so we can host the Super League series against England, Ireland and the West Indies as planned. We would love to welcome back all cricket fans on our grounds in the summer of 2021,” Betty added.

Pakistan Cricket Board Extend Their Support To KNCB

Pakistan were scheduled to play three ODIs in the country in early July as part of the new Super League competition, which is part of the qualification pathway to World Cup 2023.

Wasim Khan
Wasim Khan. (Image Courtesy: Getty)

Wasim Khan, CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said, “The PCB stands firmly with the KNCB and hope they will be able to overcome this [health] crisis. The Pakistan national cricket teams have always enjoyed touring the Netherlands and as soon as things return to normal, the PCB will engage with the KNCB to reschedule the tour so that we can fulfil our obligation.”

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Netherlands Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Pakistan national cricket team