RAWALPINDI: New Zealand on Friday called off a series of one day internationals against Pakistan over security concerns, New Zealand s cricket body and local board officials said, minutes after the first match was due to start.
“New Zealand Cricket informed us they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series,” the Pakistan Cricket board said in a statement.
“Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Government made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the New Zealand Cricket of the same,” the PCB statement reads.
“The Pakistan Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team,” the statement added.
“The security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Pakistan Government throughout their stay here,” the PCB statement reads.
PCB said it was willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal.
On the other hand, New Zealand cricket board announced in its press release that “The BLACKCAPS are abandoning their tour of Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert.”
The side was to play Pakistan today in the first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five match T20 series.
“However, following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the BLACKCAPS will not continue with the tour,” the statement reads.
“Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure,” it added.
NZC chief executive David White said it was simply not possible to continue with the tour given the advice he was receiving.
“I understand this will be a blow for the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option.”
RASHID SAYS PAK-NEW ZEALAND CRICKET SERIES CALLED OFF UNDER CONSPIRACY: Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that the cricket series between Pakistan and New Zealand was called off under a conspiracy.
Talking to media after New Zealand cricket board called off series with Pakistan over security concerns interior minister said that our institutions tried to persuade but New Zealand made its decision.
Sheikh Rashid said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had contacted the Prime Minister of New Zealand who told the premier that they think an attack could take place as soon as the team leaves the stadium.
Minister said our agencies tried to persuade but New Zealand made its decision, none of our agencies received information regarding any threat, adding we provided New Zealand team the best security.
The interior minister said that there were no security threats with regards to the tour, adding that when the Pakistani security institutions talked to the New Zealand security officials, they could not provide any proof about the threat. “The tour was cancelled under a conspiracy.”
Sheikh Rashid said that gloved hands conspired against Pakistan s peace efforts in the region, they want to make us scapegoats. Both borders of Pakistan are safe. He said that India is stuck on Pakistan adding peace will prevail in Pakistan in all circumstances.
When asked by the journalist if you will resign, responding to this, the minister said that one should speak wisely adding this is not a failure of the Interior Ministry.
In response to another question, Sheikh Rashid said that the England cricket board is also considering their tour to Pakistan and will decide in 24 hours. He said arrangements for the British team are complete, the decision is up to them.
NZ PREMIER SAYS SAFETY PARAMOUNT: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Friday that the safety of the players is paramount as she supported New Zealand Cricket’s decision to pull out of its Pakistan tour.
“When I spoke with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, I conveyed our thanks for taking care of the New Zealand Cricket team,” Ardern said in a statement sent to Reuters.
“I know how disappointing it will be for everyone that the game hasn’t gone ahead, but we totally support the decision that’s been made. Player safety has to be paramount.”
The New Zealand cricket team has cancelled its tour of Pakistan after informing the Pakistan Cricket Board of a “security alert”, a statement confirmed on Friday.
“Earlier today, New Zealand Cricket informed us they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series,” reads the press release.
