Following a security threat alert from the New Zealand Government, the Blackcaps have decided to call off the whole Pakistan tour and not just the first ODI on Friday, September 17. The match was supposed to start at 2.30 PM local time but none of the players from the tourists had reached the ground even till half an hour before the game as they were advised not to leave their rooms.
While there was a lack of clarity on what was the real issue as many speculated that it was COVID-19 but eventually a statement from the New Zealand Cricket and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that it was a security issue and the NZC has decided to cancel the whole tour comprising three ODIs and five T20Is.
"The BLACKCAPS are abandoning their tour of Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert.
"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. Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure," the NZC statement further added.
PCB, on the other hand, have expressed their disappointment as New Zealand were coming after a gap of 18 years on their shores and will now leave even before the series could kick-off.
In a statement issued on Twitter, PCB said, "Earlier today, the New Zealand cricket board informed us that they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series. 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 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 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," it further added.
The cancellation of this tour and postponement has raised questions over the England tour of Pakistan next month before ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
