New Zealand Cricket (NZC) received a lot of flak after they called off their tour of Pakistan citing security reasons on Friday (September 17). New Zealand were scheduled to play a three ODIs and five T20Is for the first time after 2003-04.
The former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt was not impressed with NZCs decision and felt it would have been better if the Kiwis had not come to Pakistan in the first place. Butt lashed out at the Black Caps by calling their decision to pull out as ridiculous.
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“It's ridiculous to say the least. It is global politics, New Zealand have given a stupid reason. They had come to Pakistan after a security clearance from their agency. They were here for so many days, were going to the stadium and practicing as well,” Butt said.
“This continued for quite a few days. But before the match they decided not to play because of some security threat. This act by New Zealand should be condemned in very possible way,” the 36-year-old added.
Since New Zealand Cricket did not provide any details behind them pulling out of the tour which has raised serious suspicion over their actions in Pakistan. The left-handed batsman then went on to talk about this fact.
“New Zealand have not shared any evidence, which raises suspicion over their act. There was nothing shared with the PCB, security agencies or the Pakistan government. New Zealand were provided the highest security that you can ever imagine,” the former Pakistan cricketer said.
“Also, Pakistan is far more secure than 2009. A wrong precedent has been set by the Kiwis as teams will now think they can take a unilateral decision. It would have been better if New Zealand had not come. This is not a joke,” the southpaw added.
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The opening batsman then urged International Cricket Council (ICC) to look into this matter and hoped ICC to act like the Federation Internationale de Football Association's (FIFA) and prove that they can exercise their power.
“I really wish ICC, life FIFA, can also take a stance which shows they can exercise their power. ICC seem to be nowhere. They haven't reacted even to what happened in Manchester (India pulling out of last Test), at least not in public,” the Lahore-based cricketer concluded.
After New Zealand pulled out of the Pakistan tour just minutes before the toss of first ODI, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) too are likely to take a call on their tour of Pakistan scheduled in October.
(With CricWick Inputs)
