The tour of Pakistan was cancelled “following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan”; The Pakistan Cricket Board insist “foolproof security arrangements” were made for the tourists; England’s men and women teams are touring Pakistan in October.
New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan has been abandoned on the day of the opening fixture because of a “government security alert”.
They were visiting Pakistan for the first time in 18 years to play three one-day internationals – the first of which was due to take place on Friday – and five Twenty20 matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
However, in a statement released on Friday, New Zealand Cricket said they would no longer be able to participate in the Tour based on the advice they were receiving.
The statement read: “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.
The Pakistan Cricket Board insist they and the Pakistan government “made foolproof security arrangements” for the tourists.
The PCB statement read: “Earlier today, New Zealand Cricket informed us they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series.
“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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