LAHORE – The New Zealand cricket team has called off its tour of Pakistan after informing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of receiving a “security alert”.
“Earlier today, New Zealand Cricket informed us they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series,” PCB said in a press release.
The announcement to cancel the series shocked Pakistan players and fans as well international players, who had been played in the country.
West Indies player Darren Sammy on Twitter said, “Disappointed waking up to the news of the cancellation of the Pakistan Vs New Zealand series because of security issues”.
“Over the last 6 years playing and visiting Pakistan has been one of the most enjoyable experiences. I’ve always felt safe. this is a massive blow to Pakistan,” he said.
Disappointed waking up to the news of the cancellation of the Pakistan Vs New Zealand series because of security issues.Over the last 6 years playing and visiting Pakistan has been one of the most enjoyable experiences. I’ve always felt safe. this is a massive blow to Pakistan ☹️
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) September 17, 2021
Sri Lankan player Angelo Perera also recalled his experience when he visited Pakistan two years ago.
“Toured @TheRealPCB 2 years back and really enjoyed every minute of our stay!! Felt extremely welcomed and also safe tbh! Never had any doubt Genuinely wanna see cricket return to this great nation,” Perera said.
https://twitter.com/angiperera/status/1438827329057292288
Pakistan’s pacer Shoaib Akhtar termed the NZC decision “unnecessary”.
“We will rise from this. And soon. Ghabrana nahi hai. Not the first time we’ve been pushed against the wall. Unnecessary and uncalled for decision by @BLACKCAPS,” he wrote on Twitter.
We will rise from this. And soon.
Ghabrana nahi hai. Not the first time we've been pushed against the wall. Unnecessary and uncalled for decision by @BLACKCAPS . https://t.co/FBB71FVlzm— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 17, 2021
Former captain Shahid Afrid, taking to Twitter, said: “On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances!! @BLACKCAPS do you understand the IMPACT of your decision?”
On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances!! @BLACKCAPS do you understand the IMPACT of your decision?
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 17, 2021
Pakistan 🇵🇰 is Safe & Proud nation. Postponing series is absolutely Sad news for whole Nation.
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 17, 2021
Pakistan has made monumental efforts to get international cricket back on track. We’ve lost a lot with no international cricket for 6 years in the past and today might set us back again. The pulling out and the abrupt timing of the decision is extremely disappointing. #PAKvNZ
— Shan Masood (@shani_official) September 17, 2021
Disappointed – Team Pakistan react after New Zealand s abandonment decision
