Kiwis back out of tour: English Cricket Board’s decision in 48 hours

After New Zealand Cricket Board ended the tour on time due to security concerns, English Cricket Board (ECB) is reconsidering team’s visit scheduled next month.

The New Zealand cricket team backed out of its tour of Pakistan over security concerns minutes before the first match was scheduled to start at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The English Cricket Board (ECB) has issued a statement regarding next month’s tour of Pakistan. According to the ECB, the decision on the visit to Pakistan will be taken in the next 24 to 48 hours.

The English Cricket Board is seeking feedback from its security team on Pakistan, media reports said.

“We are aware of the decision regarding the New Zealand Cricket Security Alert,” the ECB said in a statement. The ECB further said that it was taking stock of the situation from our security team on the ground in Pakistan.

“We will decide in the next 48 hours whether to allow the English team to play T20 matches in Pakistan,” the ECB said.

According to the English board, New Zealand is considering ending the tour due to security concerns.

The first match of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand was to be played in Rawalpindi today. However, the New Zealand Cricket Board ended the tour on time due to security concerns.

The New Zealand cricket team arrived in Pakistan on September 11 to play three ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals.

The ODI series against New Zealand was supposed to be played at the Rawalpindi Stadium, with matches scheduled for Sept 17, 19, and 21, while the Gaddafi Stadium was slated to host five T20s from Sept 25 to Oct 3.

PCB chairman

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Rameez Raja has said that New Zealand cricket is very disappointed with the decision.

In a statement, Rameez Raja said, “It is disappointing not to share anything in this matter. I am very sorry for the fans and the players.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has backed the cancellation of her country’s visit to Pakistan.

In her statement on the cancellation of the New Zealand cricket team’s tour of Pakistan, Jacinda Ardern said, “Everyone knows how sad it is not to have a tournament, but I fully support the decision to cancel the series to protect the players.”