New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan, due to begin today, has been cancelled as a result of a security threat, as per the New Zealand Herald. Before the scheduled commencement of the first One Day International at Rawalpindi, players did not travel to the ground and were told they must stay in their hotel rooms. Fans were also prevented from entering the stadium.
The abandonment of the series was explained by NZC chief executive David White as a prioritisation of player safety and described as “the only responsible option”. With the Black Caps not having toured Pakistan since 2003 due to security concerns, this development will represent a huge blow to the return of cricket to the country.
JUST IN: New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan has been cancelled following “a New Zealand government security alert.”
NZC chief executive David White said: “Player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option.”#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/3phlaUzru2
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 17, 2021
