NEW DELHI: New Zealand abruptly withdrew from their limited-overs series in Pakistan just minutes before the start of the first ODI in Rawalpindi, citing a security threat in September 2021.
The decision sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, as both teams were already at the stadium, ready to commence play.
The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) stated that concerns for their players' safety prompted the sudden withdrawal.
The highly anticipated tour, which would have been New Zealand's first visit to Pakistan in 18 years, included three ODIs and five T20Is.
AFP Photo
However, just before the first match, NZC received information about a credible security threat.
After consulting with security officials and the New Zealand government, the board made the decision to cancel the entire series and quickly arranged for the team to leave Pakistan.
"Player safety is paramount, and following an escalation in the threat level, we felt it was the only responsible course of action," said David White, the NZC Chief Executive.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed disappointment over the abrupt pullout, especially considering the extensive security measures they had implemented for the tour, while also acknowledging the importance of player safety.
Pakistan had made significant efforts to ensure a safe environment for the series, providing high-level security comparable to that offered to visiting heads of state.
However, New Zealand's concerns about the threat took precedence over these precautions.
The withdrawal dealt a significant blow to Pakistan's efforts to regain the trust of international cricket boards after years of being sidelined from hosting top teams due to security concerns.
The PCB had worked diligently in recent years to bring international cricket back to Pakistan, making this sudden cancellation a setback for those efforts.
The incident also sparked broader discussions about the future of international cricket tours in the country.
The decision sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, as both teams were already at the stadium, ready to commence play.
The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) stated that concerns for their players' safety prompted the sudden withdrawal.
Huge news this, about New Zealand pulling out of their tour of Pakistan and heading back home. Feel for cricket lovers in Pakistan but since this is because of a perceived security threat, it will impact other teams touring there too
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 17, 2021
The highly anticipated tour, which would have been New Zealand's first visit to Pakistan in 18 years, included three ODIs and five T20Is.
AFP Photo
However, just before the first match, NZC received information about a credible security threat.
After consulting with security officials and the New Zealand government, the board made the decision to cancel the entire series and quickly arranged for the team to leave Pakistan.
"Player safety is paramount, and following an escalation in the threat level, we felt it was the only responsible course of action," said David White, the NZC Chief Executive.
The Black Caps have abandoned the tour of Pakistan following a security alert from the New Zealand government.
— ICC (@ICC) September 17, 2021
Details 👇https://t.co/GMVT3zm18y
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed disappointment over the abrupt pullout, especially considering the extensive security measures they had implemented for the tour, while also acknowledging the importance of player safety.
Pakistan had made significant efforts to ensure a safe environment for the series, providing high-level security comparable to that offered to visiting heads of state.
However, New Zealand's concerns about the threat took precedence over these precautions.
The withdrawal dealt a significant blow to Pakistan's efforts to regain the trust of international cricket boards after years of being sidelined from hosting top teams due to security concerns.
The PCB had worked diligently in recent years to bring international cricket back to Pakistan, making this sudden cancellation a setback for those efforts.
The incident also sparked broader discussions about the future of international cricket tours in the country.
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