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Pakistan's forthcoming tour of Netherlands has been postponed indefinitely after the boards of both countries decided to mutually call off the three-match One Day International (ODI) series due to the ongoing global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Netherlands cricket Board (The Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have mutually announced the cancellation of the forthcoming ODI series in the wake of the Dutch government banning all sports and cultural events in the country until September 1.
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The Netherlands is among the European countries seriously afflicted by the ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed 4000 peoples this week while infected about 35,000 people in the country with the KNCB confirming that the country will host no international cricket this summer.
The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Netherlands was scheduled to play in Amstelveen on July 4, 7, and 9. Pakistan was to visit the European country before their full England tour.
PCB chief executive officer Wasim Khan announced the same in a press release, “It is sad that we have to postpone our July tour to the Netherlands, but in the prevailing circumstances, this is absolutely the right thing to do as human lives are far more precious and valuable than a cricket match or an event.”
He further added, “Netherlands has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and we offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their lives. Like any other country, the PCB stands firmly with them and hope they will be able to overcome this crisis.
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The Pakistan national cricket teams have always enjoyed touring the Netherlands and as soon as things return to normal, the PCB will engage with the KNCB to reschedule the tour so that we can fulfill our obligation.”
Meanwhile, KNCB chairperson Betty Timmer said, “It is extremely disappointing that we won’t be able to host any international cricket in the Netherlands this summer. However, the health and safety of the players, staff, and fans are our main priority, and in that light the ban on events by the Dutch government is understandable.”
The PCB also said that Pakistan’s tours to Ireland for two Twenty20 Internationals and England for three Tests and three T20Is are on track at this stage.
A one-off T20I on 15 June between the hosts the Netherlands and New Zealand has been also pushed back indefinitely, while the pandemic also impacted a quadrangular series with Namibia, Oman, and the USA.
Noteworthy, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has claimed 1.8 lakh lives while infecting over 25 million people across the world so far.
(With PTI Inputs)