‘Terrible shame’: New Zealand’s cricket tour of Pakistan abandoned

The cricket world is reeling after New Zealand’s white-ball tour of Pakistan was abruptly abandoned following a security threat.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 26: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson during game two of the Twenty20 series between New Zealand and India at Eden Park on January 26, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

New Zealand’s white-ball tour of Pakistan has been abruptly abandoned following a security threat.

Ahead of Friday’s first ODI in Rawalpindi, players and support staff were told to remain in their hotel rooms, while spectators were not permitted to enter the venue.

Following a lengthy delay, New Zealand Cricket released a statement confirming the eight-match tour had been abandoned due to a New Zealand government security alert.

Watch our record-breaking women live and ad-break free during play on Kayo when they take on India in the Women’s ODI series. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now >

“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 Black Caps will not continue with the tour,” the statement read.

“Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure.

“NZC will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the updated arrangements for the departing squad.”

The Black Caps squad arrived in Islamabad last week and had conducted three training sessions ahead of the first ODI.

It was New Zealand’s first visit to the sub-continent nation in 18 years.

NZC chief executive David White said: “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.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. Photo by DAVID ROWLAND / AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board also released a statement claiming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had informed New Zealand Prime Jacinda Ardern that “no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team”.

“PCB and Govt of Pakistan made fool proof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the NZ cricket board of the same,” the statement read.

“The security officials with the NZ team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Govt of Pakistan throughout their stay here.

“PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal.”

Pakistan batter Babar Azam tweeted: “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!”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan posted: “Such a shame for Pakistan Cricket ... These late call offs will damage the game hugely financially ... Hopefully security issues can be resolved to allow cricket to be played again in Pakistan.”

Pakistan cricket fans were understandably disappointed by the announcement, voicing their frustration on social media.

Such a terrible, terrible shame. https://t.co/ScdMU4xHKh

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) September 17, 2021

Dreadful news for Pakistan. New Zealand's players had no choice but to leave after the government advice.

Very real fear this sets back Pakistan hosting international cricket back years

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) September 17, 2021

Absolutely shocked and disappointed to see this unprofessional behaviour of New Zealand cancelling the #PAKvNZ series at the last moment. @BLACKCAPS owe an explanation to Pakistani cricket fans.

— Sana Jamal (@Sana_Jamal) September 17, 2021

Pakistan have travelled the world, of course to meet their financial needs, but travelled the world nonetheless to help other countries keep international cricket going during a global pandemic – yet other countries as ever are quick to dump Pakistan without hesitation#PAKvNZ

— Kamran Abbasi (@KamranAbbasi) September 17, 2021

It is now as hard to catch up with all the cricket cancelled as it is all the cricket played.

— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) September 17, 2021

Most nations have refused to tour Pakistan since the tragic Lahore attacks of 2009, with “home” matches instead taking place in the United Arab Emirates.

But Test cricket made its long-awaited return to Pakistan in December 2019 when Sri Lanka agreed to a two-Test series.

However, Friday’s security threat will worry the PCB ahead of a busy home season.

The England men’s and women’s sides are scheduled to tour Pakistan next month, while Australia was planning on travelling to the Asian nation in early 2022.

Earlier this week, England captain Heather Knight said they were waiting on a security update on their upcoming tour.

“Things are obviously changing very quickly at the moment but we‘re still in conversation or just waiting on a few things to try and work out what’s going to happen,” she said.

“So hopefully, things are deemed safe. That’s out of my hands and the team’s hands and it’s up to the people above to make those decisions but we’re in constant conversations and that will progress, I’m sure, in the next few weeks.”

The ECB will reportedly decide in the next 24-48 whether it will proceed with next month’s tour.