Pakistan were looking forward to host New Zealand in an international cricket series for the first time in 18 years. New Zealand abruptly calling off their tour just before the first of three One-day Internationals was to begin in Rawalpindi due to a security threat on Friday.
PCB released a statement saying that they were “unilaterally suspending” all the games but Raja warned NZC that the matter will be taken up before the International Cricket Council (ICC) very soon.
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 fool proof security arrangements for all visiting teams. 1/4
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 17, 2021
Fans, analysts and cricket enthusiasts took to Twitter expressing anger and exasperation, and questioned whether the whole situation could have been handled better.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Rameez Raja: Which world is NZ living in?
Raja lashed out at New Zealand Cricket for backing out of their limited-overs tour at the last minute on Friday.
“Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our 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 NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC,” he tweeted
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Babar Azam: “Extremely disappointed”
The PCB made it clear they did not endorse what they termed a “unilateral” decision by NZC to abandon the tour, while captain Babar Azam tweeted that he was “extremely disappointed”.
Extremely disappointed on the abrupt postponement of the series, which could have brought the smiles back for millions of Pakistan Cricket Fans. I’ve full trust in the capabilities and credibility of our security agencies. They are our pride and always will be! Pakistan Zindabad!
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 17, 2021
Fawad Chaudhry: NZ ‘satisfied’ with security
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted that Prime Minister Imran Khan had a telephonic conversation earlier in the day with New Zealand’s premier, Jacinda Ardern, who expressed satisfaction over security measures taken by Pakistan for the visitors.
While hailing Pakistan’s intelligence agencies as “among the best intelligence systems in the world”, the minister said the New Zealand prime minister had sought postponement of the series “in view of the policy of extreme caution”.
اب سے کچھ دیر قبل وزیر اعظم عمران خان نے نیوزی لینڈ کی وزیر اعظم سے رابطہ کیا اور یقین دلایا کہ پاکستان میں نیوزی لینڈ کی ٹیم کو فول پروف سیکیورٹی میسر ہے اور PCB کے مطابق خود نیوزی لینڈ کی سیکیورٹی نے پاکستان کے سیکیورٹی انتظامات پر اطمینان کا اظہار کیا ہے،
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) September 17, 2021
PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan: ‘Beyond understanding’
Like the fans, Khan was left equally shocked by the development, saying the last-minute cancellation of the tour by the Kiwis was beyond comprehension.
The security situation in Pakistan is great and satisfactory. Extraordinary security has been provided to the New Zealand team. After complete assurance and satisfaction, Call for this last minute withdrawal and postponement of the series by NZ is beyond understanding.
#PAKvNZ— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) September 17, 2021
Kamran Akmal: ‘Sad day for Pakistan cricket’
Wicket-keeper batsman Kamran Akmal was also devastated by the news, and termed it a sad day for the sport at the national level.
Pakistan is a safe country for any sports…heartbroken Disappointed 😔 Sad day for Pakistan & Pakistan cricket #NZvPAK Not a good thing cancelling series at the last moment
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) September 17, 2021
Fakhre Alam: ‘NZ should share the threat with Pakistan’
Singer and activist Fakhre Alam said as a Pakistani citizen, “I want to know the credible threat that [New Zealand Cricket] found. “It is only fair to share that intelligence with the Government of Pakistan so that if there is a real threat it can be neutralised immediately & lives are protected,” he tweeted.
As a Pakistani citizen I want to know the credible threat that @BLACKCAPS found. It is only fair to share that intelligence with the @GovtofPakistan so that if there is a real threat it can be neutralized immediately & lives are protected. #PAKvNZ
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) September 17, 2021
Daren Sammy expressed his shock
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Renowned commentator Mike Haysman expressed his disappointment
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Huge Financial losses
According to Dawn: The Pakistan Cricket Board will suffer financial losses in millions as a result of New Zealand abruptly calling off their tour. Apart from the security losses, this is a blow to the efforts the PCB, the government and the security agencies who had been making to fully restore international cricket in Pakistan.
Final Word
This certainly is a black day in the history of Pakistan Cricket. We hope that the ICCI will take notice of this act and Pakistan will the case of compensation against New Zealand.
