Security threat! When New Zealand called off Pakistan tour minutes before play

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Sep 18, 2024, 15:56 IST

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New Zealand withdrew from their limited-overs series in Pakistan minutes before the first ODI due to a credible security threat. Despite extensive security measures by Pakistan, New Zealand prioritized player safety after consulting with officials and their government. This unexpected move affects Pakistan's efforts to host international cricket and future tour prospects.

Security threat! When New Zealand called off Pakistan tour minutes before play

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NEW DELHI: New Zealand abruptly withdrew from their limited-overs series in Pakistan just minutes before the start of the first ODI in Rawalpindi, citing a security threat in September 2021.
The decision sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, as both teams were already at the stadium, ready to commence play.
The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) stated that concerns for their players' safety prompted the sudden withdrawal.

The highly anticipated tour, which would have been New Zealand's first visit to Pakistan in 18 years, included three ODIs and five T20Is.

AFP Photo
However, just before the first match, NZC received information about a credible security threat.
After consulting with security officials and the New Zealand government, the board made the decision to cancel the entire series and quickly arranged for the team to leave Pakistan.

"Player safety is paramount, and following an escalation in the threat level, we felt it was the only responsible course of action," said David White, the NZC Chief Executive.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed disappointment over the abrupt pullout, especially considering the extensive security measures they had implemented for the tour, while also acknowledging the importance of player safety.
Pakistan had made significant efforts to ensure a safe environment for the series, providing high-level security comparable to that offered to visiting heads of state.
However, New Zealand's concerns about the threat took precedence over these precautions.
The withdrawal dealt a significant blow to Pakistan's efforts to regain the trust of international cricket boards after years of being sidelined from hosting top teams due to security concerns.
The PCB had worked diligently in recent years to bring international cricket back to Pakistan, making this sudden cancellation a setback for those efforts.
The incident also sparked broader discussions about the future of international cricket tours in the country.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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