Pakistan cricketers were shocked and disappointed after the New Zealand cricket team on Friday (September 17) pulled out of the tour due to a “security alert” from their government. The Kiwis were set to play three ODIs and five T20Is across Rawalpindi and Lahore as part of their tour.
In a statement, New Zealand Cricket said that the team will not continue with the tour following an "escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan".
"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 after a delay in the toss for first ODI.
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Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his displeasure over New Zealand's decision to cancel the tour at the last minute. "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!", he tweeted.
Earlier, it took Pakistan cricket 6 years to host a Test-playing nation at home after a 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.
Here are the other tweets of the Pakistan cricketers after the Blackcaps abandoned the tour:
