ISLAMABAD: Pak vs NZ- “NZ Just Killed Pakistan Cricket,” Says Shoaib Akhtar On Tour Abandonment

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s bid to revive
international cricket in the country was dealt
a massive blow on
Friday when New Zealand pulled out of their
limited-overs tour just before the first ODI in Rawalpindi. New
Zealand, who were touring Pakistan for the first time since 2003, abandoned the
tour due to a security alert. “Following an escalation in the New Zealand
Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from (New Zealand Cricket)
security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the BLACKCAPS will not
continue with the tour,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

New
Zealand’s last-minute decision to withdraw left many disappointed, among them
was former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar.

“NZ
just killed Pakistan cricket,” Akhtar tweeted on Friday. “Sad scenes
& news from Rawalpindi,” he had tweeted a few moments earlier.

Pakistan
captain Babar Azam also expressed his disappointment following the
announcement.

“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 wrote on Twitter.

Former
Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi slammed New Zealand over the decision.

Meanwhile,
NZC chief executive David White said pulling out of the tour was the “only
responsible option”. “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,” he was quoted as saying in an NZC
press release.

NZC added
that arrangements were being made for the Blackcaps’ departure from Pakistan.