New Zealand abandoned their limited-overs series in Pakistan on Friday after receiving a security alert, with the tourists “unilaterally suspending” all their scheduled matches.
The following are the reactions to the tour being abandoned:
PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARD (PCB)
“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.”
NEW ZEALAND CRICKET CHIEF EXECUTIVE DAVID WHITE
“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.”
PCB CHAIRMAN RAMIZ RAJA
“Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players,” Raja wrote on Twitter https://twitter.com/iramizraja/status/1438829120364978183
“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.”
NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN
“When I spoke with the Prime Minister of Pakistan I conveyed our thanks for taking care of the New Zealand Cricket team,” Ardern said in a statement sent to Reuters.
“I know how disappointing it will be for everyone that the game hasn’t gone ahead, but we totally support the decision that’s been made. Player safety has to be paramount.”
ENGLAND CRICKET BOARD (ECB)
“We’re aware of New Zealand’s decision to pull out of the Pakistan tour due to a security alert,” an ECB spokesperson said.
“We are liaising with our security team who are on the ground in Pakistan to fully understand the situation. The ECB Board will then decide in the next 24-48 hours whether our planned tour (next month) should proceed.”
FORMER ENGLAND CAPTAIN MICHAEL VAUGHAN
“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,” Vaughan wrote on Twitter.
FORMER AUSTRALIAN FAST BOWLER JASON GILLESPIE
“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,” Gillespie wrote on Twitter.
“We are all however disappointed for Pakistan cricket, its players and supporters. A wonderful cricketing country that has, for a long time, been denied consistent top level cricket. Hopefully the situation in the country improves quickly!”
PAKISTAN CAPTAIN BABAR AZAM
“Extremely disappointed on the abrupt postponement of the series, which could have brought the smiles back for millions of Pakistan cricket fans,” Azam wrote on Twitter.
“I’ve full trust in the capabilities and credibility of our security agencies. They are our pride and always will be!”
PAKISTAN ALL-ROUNDER SHADAB KHAN
“This is heartbreaking. Pakistanis love cricket so much, we have worked really hard to bring cricket back here,” he wrote on Twitter.
“PSL (Pakistan Super League) and other teams visiting Pakistan is evidence of our hospitality and security arrangements. We will continue our efforts.”
PAKISTAN BATSMAN FAKHAR ZAMAN
“The security situation in Pakistan is great and satisfactory. Extraordinary security has been provided to the New Zealand team,” he wrote on Twitter.
“After complete assurance and satisfaction, call for this last minute withdrawal of the series by NZ is so sad.”
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