New Zealand withdraws from Pakistan cricket tour citing security alert
New Zealand Cricket said in a statement that “after an escalation in levels of threat from the New Zealand government to Pakistan and advice from NZC security advisers on the ground, it was decided that the BLACKCAPS would not continue the tour â€.
New Zealand were due to play the first of three one-day internationals in Rawalpindi on Friday before traveling to Lahore for five Twenty20 internationals.
The team is now preparing for its departure.
A statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board said: “The Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistani government have made full security arrangements for all visiting teams. informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threats of any kind exist to the visiting team. “
PCB says the scheduled matches will continue and notes that “cricket fans in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed with this last minute withdrawal.”
New Zealand Cricket declined to comment further on details of the security threats.
The New Zealand Cricket statement quoted general manager David White: “I understand this will be a blow to the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but the safety of the players is paramount and we believe this is the only option. responsible.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern commented on the decision, calling player safety “paramount”.
“When I spoke with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, I expressed our thanks for taking care of the New Zealand cricket team,” a statement told CNN. “I know how disappointing it will be for everyone that the game does not take place, but we fully support the decision that was made. The safety of the players must be paramount.”