The first one-day international between Pakistan and New Zealand in Ulpandi has been canceled a few hours before the start and the New Zealand team has also refused to continue its tour of Pakistan due to security concerns.
پاکستان بمقابلہ نیوزی لینڈ سیریزیک طرفہ‘ طور پر ملتوی اردو زبان میں
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Friday, the ODI and T20 series between the two countries have been postponed and the New Zealand team has decided not to play the series "unilaterally"."The Pakistan Cricket Board and the government of Pakistan had made foolproof arrangements for the security of the visiting team," the statement said.
Earlier today, the New Zealand cricket board informed us that they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series.
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 17, 2021
PCB and Govt of Pakistan made fool proof security arrangements for all visiting teams. 1/4
According to the PCB, the New Zealand Cricket Board was reassured in this regard and Prime Minister Imran Khan had personally contacted the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed him that Pakistan's security intelligence was one of the best agencies in the world. There is no security threat to the visiting team. According to the statement, the officials of the New Zealand team had expressed satisfaction over the security provided by the government of Pakistan.The PCB says it is ready to play the match as scheduled and cricket fans in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed with the last-minute cancellation.On the other hand, according to a statement released by the New Zealand team on Twitter, the decision was taken on the basis of the New Zealand government's threat forecast regarding Pakistan and the advice of security advisers in Pakistan.
According to New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White, given the information he has received, it does not seem possible to play the series.
New Zealand cricket officials also say arrangements are being made for the team's return.
Doubts were cast over the conduct of the match on Friday when the teams did not reach the ground on time before the match which started at 2.30 pm and the players were instructed to stay confined to their hotels.
The toss is usually made half an hour before the start of the match, a few hours before the teams arrive on the field to train before the match.
Spectators were also barred from entering the stadium, while media representatives were told to wait for the PCB's press conference.
Strict security arrangements were made in Rawalpindi for the match and besides civilian institutions, Pakistan Army personnel were also deployed for security.
The series, played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, is not being counted in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, but the long-awaited bilateral series is important for the full return of cricket to Pakistan. ۔
It may be recalled that during the second Test match in Karachi in 2002, an explosion took place near the Sheraton Hotel where both the teams were staying, after which the series was canceled and 18 years later New Zealand lost to Pakistan. This was the first visit.
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