In a surprising turn of events, New Zealand called off their Pakistan tour minutes before the toss of the first ODI in Rawalpindi, citing an upgraded security alert from the New Zealand government.

The Kiwi players were asked to stay inside their hotel rooms and later it was announced by the New Zealand Cricket board that the tour had been canceled after they received an escalation from the New Zealand government about security in Pakistan.

A New Zealand cricket statement was issued, saying, "Following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the Blackcaps will not continue with the tour".

PAK v NZ 2021: New Zealand tour of Pakistan called off amidst security concerns

Now preparations are being made for the New Zealand contingent to return home.

In response to the tour being abandoned by New Zealand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement indicating their unhappiness at a "unilateral" decision.

"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 released a statement on their website.

“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 further read.

"The security officials with the NZ team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Govt of Pakistan throughout their stay here,” the statement concluded.

The PCB statement also read, “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 website inputs)