'NZ just killed Pakistan cricket': Pak cricketers express frustration as New Zealand abandon tour
Ramiz Raja and Shoaib Akhtar
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his anger over the cancellation of the Pakistan vs New Zealand limited-overs series after the Blackcaps abandoned the entire tour on Friday (September 17) without playing a single match.
Taking to his official Twitter account, Akhtar wrote, "NZ just killed Pakistan cricket." It is worth mentioning that international cricket in Pakistan was suspended in the aftermath of terror attacks against the Sri Lankan side in 2009, but has slowly revived over the past two years. However, cancellation of the NZ tour is a massive blow to the South Asian country.
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PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja was also frustrated as he wrote on his Twitter account, "Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC."
Players like Mohammad Hafeez and Babar Azam also reacted to the news. "Extremely disappointed on the abrupt postponement of the series, which could have brought the smiles back for millions of Pakistan Cricket Fans. I've full trust in the capabilities and credibility of our security agencies. They are our pride and always will be! Pakistan Zindabad!" Babar wrote on Twitter.
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New Zealand were supposed to play Pakistan on Friday in the first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series.
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After the cancellation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement: "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."
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern commented on the cancellation as she said that she supports the decision that's been made and added that player safety has to be paramount.
"When I spoke with the Prime Minister of Pakistan I conveyed our thanks for taking care of the New Zealand Cricket team," Ardern said in a statement sent to Reuters.