PAK vs NZ cancelled: Big setback for PCB under Ramiz Raja, cricket fraternity reacts as New Zealand abandons series at last-minute; check reactions – The New Zealand cricket team has cancelled its tour of Pakistan Friday after informing the PCB of a “security alert”.
A press release by the PCB confirmed the statement. “Earlier today, New Zealand Cricket informed us they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series,” reads the press release.
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. 4/4
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 17, 2021
hi new Zealand might b we as a Pakistani will forgive u because we are a loving nation but this act will bite u in future for sure.#PAKISTANZINDABAD
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) September 17, 2021
PCB’s newly appointed chief Ramiz Raja also took to Twitter to react to appolosie fans as New Zealand cancels the tour.
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.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) September 17, 2021
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at the New Zealand cricket authorities for cancelling the series unilaterally, saying that Pakistan has been embarrassed in front of the world.
NZ just killed Pakistan cricket 😡😡
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 17, 2021
“We stand firm with our government, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), our army and security agencies. I agree that the ISI is the number one intelligence agency in the world. You [New Zealand authorities] arrived here after obtaining a security clearance. You have no right to embarrass Pakistan like that and leave,” said the Rawalpindi Express, speaking to Geo News.
We will rise from this. And soon.
Ghabrana nahi hai. Not the first time we’ve been pushed against the wall. Unnecessary and uncalled for decision by @BLACKCAPS . https://t.co/FBB71FVlzm— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 17, 2021
Cricketer Mohammad Hafeez on Friday stated that New Zealand Cricket postponing their tour of Pakistan is sad news for the whole nation.
Such a shame for Pakistan Cricket .. These late call offs will damage the game hugely financially .. Hopefully security issues can be resolved to allow cricket to be played again in Pakistan .. !!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 17, 2021
NZ has canceled their tour to Pakistan hours before the start of the first match…citing security concerns. This might have serious consequences on the future tours to Pakistan. England-Australia and NZ (again) slated to travel to Pak in the next 12 months. #PakvNZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 17, 2021
New Zealand was slated to play their first match on Pakistan soil since 2003. The side was to play hosts on Friday in the first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series. “Pakistan is Safe & Proud nation. Postponing series is absolutely Sad news for whole Nation,” tweeted Hafeez.
Pakistan 🇵🇰 is Safe & Proud nation. Postponing series is absolutely Sad news for whole Nation.
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 17, 2021
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke to New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern before Blackcaps announced they are abandoning their tour of Pakistan. Imran Khan assured Ardern that Pakistan has one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team but New Zealand Cricket (NZC) still decided to return home after the NZ government security alert.
PAK vs NZ
The security situation in Pakistan is great and satisfactory. Extraordinary security has been provided to the New Zealand team. After complete assurance and satisfaction, Call for this last minute withdrawal and postponement of the series by NZ is beyond understanding.
#PAKvNZ— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) September 17, 2021
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,” PCB in a statement said.
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 Azam (@babarazam258) September 17, 2021
Pakistan Cricket Board
NZC had said arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure. New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills echoed NZC chief executive David White’s sentiments. “We’ve been across this process throughout and are fully supportive of the decision. The players are in good hands; they’re safe — and everyone’s acting in their best interests,” he said.
Pakistan 🇵🇰 is Safe & Proud nation. Postponing series is absolutely Sad news for whole Nation.
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 17, 2021
NZC said it will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the updated arrangements for the departing squad.
