PAK v NZ 2021: Cricket fraternity reacts to New Zealand pulling out of Pakistan tour due to security concerns

New Zealand were scheduled to play 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is on their tour of Pakistan.

By - 17 Sep, 2021

New Zealand had a “security alert” from their government | GETTY

The New Zealand cricket team on Friday (September 17) abandoned their Pakistan tour due to a “security alert” from their government. They were set to play three ODIs and five T20Is across Rawalpindi and Lahore as part of their tour.

After a delay in the toss on Friday for the first ODI, New Zealand cricket released a statement saying the team would be pulling out of the tour.

"I understand this will be a blow for the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option,” said David White, the NZC Chief Executive.

ALSO READ: PAK v NZ 2021: PCB disappointed with New Zealand calling off the tour 'unilaterally'

This could be a huge blow for Pakistan cricket as the safety concern may also see other teams refusing to tour there in the future. After the militant attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009, Zimbabwe was the first Test-playing nation to visit the country in 2015 for a bilateral series.

England is also scheduled to tour Pakistan in October, followed by Australia in the next 12 months.

The Cricket fraternity reacted to the unfortunate security issue which led to New Zealand calling off the series.

Here are the tweets:

On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances!! @BLACKCAPS do you understand the IMPACT of your decision?
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 17, 2021

Sad scenes & news from Rawalpindi.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) 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

Sad news for players and fans. #NZvPAK ???????? ???????? https://t.co/8C6UpOMPz1
— Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) September 17, 2021

Huge news this, about New Zealand pulling out of their tour of Pakistan and heading back home. Feel for cricket lovers in Pakistan but since this is because of a perceived security threat, it will impact other teams touring there too
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 17, 2021

Big blow for PCB on the entire tour being cancelled due to security issues. Players safety is top priority #Pakistan #NewZealand
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) September 17, 2021

Pakistan ???????? is Safe & Proud nation. Postponing series is absolutely Sad news for whole Nation.
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 17, 2021

1/2 New Zealand Cricket would not have made the decision to end their tour of Pakistan lightly- they have shown time and again that they are willing to do their part to promote and play our great game so I don’t think it’s right to be critical of them.
— Jason Gillespie ???? (@dizzy259) September 17, 2021

Feelings for my pakistani friends not a good news for cricket lovers .

I've travelled to many countries.
Pakistani is the safest country for cricket and cricket loving country.#PAKvNZ
— Sherfane Rutherford (@SRutherford_50) September 17, 2021

Pakistan is a safe country for any sports…heartbroken Disappointed ???? Sad day for Pakistan & Pakistan cricket #NZvPAK Not a good thing cancelling series at the last moment
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) September 17, 2021

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

Gutted for all involved in the #PakvsNz series. Was shaping up to be an epic series. ????
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) September 17, 2021

A very sad day for the game of cricket! When Pakistan was well on way for the revival of cricket, this unfortunate turn takes place. Pakistan has one of the best security agency in the world and when u get that kind of security, it surely means it’s safe! #PAKvNZ
— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul) September 17, 2021

This is heartbreaking. Pakistanis love cricket so much, we have worked really hard to bring cricket back here. PSL & other teams visiting Pakistan is evidence of our hospitality & security arrangements. We will continue our efforts. #PakistanZindabad
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) September 17, 2021

Heartbreaking news...New Zealand could have used another reason.. Security isn't a reason because Pakistan has one of the best Security base in the world #FakeNews pic.twitter.com/NP7FyGvBv6
— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) September 17, 2021

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

PAK v NZ 2021: Cricket fraternity reacts to New Zealand pulling out of Pakistan tour due to security concerns

New Zealand were scheduled to play 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is on their tour of Pakistan.

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