New Zealand has sensationally pulled out of its tour of Pakistan at the same time the first one-day international game was supposed to be starting in Rawalpindi.
The toss at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday night (AEST) was delayed, before the Black Caps issued a statement advising the game would not go ahead at all, and nor will the planned subsequent matches.
New Zealand was scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20 internationals in Pakistan, starting on Friday, but players are now urgently being flown out of the country.
New Zealand Cricket cited a “government security alert” for the sudden withdrawal.
“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,” said David White, the NZC Chief Executive.
Pakistan also released a statement.
“Earlier today, New Zealand Cricket informed us they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series,” the PCB statement said.
“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 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 security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Pakistan Government 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.”
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