New Zealand vs Pakistan: New Zealand’s cricket team has refused to travel to the stadium on Friday to play the first match in the Pakistan series citing security concerns.
A top security official who has direct knowledge about the team, citing, “Our security officials and Pakistan cricket board has been trying to convince the team for hours, but that didn’t work.”
What exactly was reported?
Going by the reports of Reuters.com, there was another Pakistani official who said that the Black Caps team was not ready to enter the stadium on security concerns.
After a staggering wait of 18 years, New Zealand travelled to Pakistan to play a series that comprised three ODI’s and five T20’s. All these matches were slated to be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Quite disappointed by the scale of events happening in the world of cricket. Devastated for the fans, players and all stakeholders working towards bringing the game back to Pakistan. It’s imperative we continue to work towards the momentum of having cricket in Pakistan 🇵🇰
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) September 17, 2021
The security situation in Pakistan is great and satisfactory. Extraordinary security has been provided to the New Zealand team. After complete assurance and satisfaction, Call for this last minute withdrawal of the series by NZ is so sad. Sorry to our cricket fans 😞 #PAKvNZ
— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) September 17, 2021
Tweets that expressed helplessness about the unfortunate situation surrounding New Zealand and Pakistan
Twitter was heartbroken about the sudden pull out of New Zealand just hours before the match because the cricketing community waited with bated breath for this blockbuster encounter.
No clarifications have been shared until now as the two nations are still engaged in a dialogue to make things work. Though rumours have been fanning out like wildfire, yet both teams are still to make an official statement.
This series would have been the last stage of practice just ahead of the T20 World Cup for both teams.
Heartbroken today, still trying to process everything. Pakistan has worked supremely hard in bringing international cricket back to the country. I hope this doesn’t halt all the good steps taken over the years. This country & its ppl love & deserve cricket at the very least.
— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) September 17, 2021
It is making me more sad thinking about how upset our fans must be after receiving this news. To the world, I want to repeat our country is safe for cricket.
To our fans, We the Pakistan team promise we will turn these sad feelings into happy ones In Shaa Allah 💪🏻
🇵🇰 Zindabad— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) September 17, 2021
NZ just killed Pakistan cricket 😡😡
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) 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
Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) September 17, 2021
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
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
Disappointed waking up to the news of the cancellation of the Pakistan Vs New Zealand series because of security issues.Over the last 6 years playing and visiting Pakistan has been one of the most enjoyable experiences. I’ve always felt safe. this is a massive blow to Pakistan ☹️
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) September 17, 2021
