Pak vs NZ: Why New Zealand team cancels Pakistan tour, Shoaib Akhtar & Faisal Javed
RAWALPINDI: The New Zealand cricket team has cancelled its tour of Pakistan Friday after informing the PCB of a "security alert".
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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.
"Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Government made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the New Zealand Cricket of the same. 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," it added.
The PCB said that 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," stated the PCB.
PTI's Senator Faisal Javed Khan expressed disappointment over New Zealand cricket's decision, saying that it is "beyond understanding."
Arrangements being made for NZ team's departure
A statement by the New Zealand cricket board confirmed the development, saying that it had decided to cancel the tour "following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground."
Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure, said the press release.
New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said it was a "blow for the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option."
NZC will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the updated arrangements for the departing squad, concluded the press release.
Interior minister to hold press conference
Interior minister will hold a press conference at 5:00pm to shed more light on the matter, said sources.
Sources further told Geo News that players of both teams were told to remain in their rooms and not venture out.
Sports journalist Alia Rasheed said Pakistanis in general and Islamabad, Rawalpindi fans in particular are extremely disappointed at the match getting cancelled.
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