The series was scheduled to begin on Friday in Rawalpindi
17 September, 2021
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PHOTO COURTESY: PCB/SHafiq Malik
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja was left fuming after New Zealand abandoned their first tour of Pakistan in 18 years, after receiving a security alert.
New Zealand officials had informed the PCB that they were “unilaterally suspending” all their scheduled matches in Pakistan, the PCB said in a statement.
New Zealand Cricket declined to share details of the security threat and said arrangements were being made for the team's departure.
Raja said that PCB would approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what transpired on a “crazy day”.
“Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in?? NZ will hear us at ICC,” Raja tweeted.
Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) September 17, 2021
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam was also disappointed over the postponement of the series.
“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! Pakistan Zindabad!,” 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! Pakistan Zindabad!
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 17, 2021
New Zealand were visiting Pakistan for the first time in 18 years and were due to play three one-day internationals and five Twenty20 matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
