ECB Chairman Watmore apologises for cancelling Pakistan tour

Pakistan recently suffered a major setback when New Zealand cricket dropped a bombshell by quitting their highly anticipated tour of Pakistan minutes before the toss for the first One-day International (ODI), citing a 'security threat'.

The Kiwis did not share the threat details with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) nor the Pakistan security agencies, which created animosity in the air and New Zealand faced the wrath for unilaterally making the decision.

Their decision was followed by the England cricket team, which has dented years of efforts PCB made to repair their image on the international stage. There have been a lot of rumours that neither the players, nor the coach was consulted over the cancellation of Pakistan tour and England Cricket Board (ECB) made this decision on their own.

The rumours were recently addressed by the ECB chairman Ian Watmore, who apologised for the cancellation of the Pakistan tour

"I am very sorry to anyone who feels hurt or let down by our decision, particularly in Pakistan," said Watmore, while talking to Daily Mail. "The decision the board made was an extremely difficult one and the board made it with the primary consideration being the welfare and mental health of our players and staff."

"The board took the decision based on its own judgments and it didn't go out to consultation. Had we decided to go forward with the tour we'd have had to put the proposals to the players, but it didn't reach that," Watmore added.

The ECB chairman confirmed that they have "recommitted to a proper tour to Pakistan next year" and that England will be fully prepared to handle any exceptions.