NZ’s whole tour of Pakistan abandoned

PAK vs NZ: New Zealand’s whole tour of Pakistan has been abandoned due to security concerns.

NZ vs PAK whole match abandoned

Ahead of the ODI opener between Pakistan and New Zealand, three players have tested positive for COVID-19. The development comes hours before kickoff. And there was no camera crew and ground staff available at the stadium for half an hour before kickoff. Both the teams asked to stay in their respective rooms and not to step out. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to share the official release. Due to which this development was confirmed by Pakistan’s leading sports website GEO TV. It said that the Home Minister will hold a press conference at 5 pm to throw more light on the matter.

According to an NZC release:

The side was to play Pakistan this evening in the first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series. However, following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the BLACKCAPS will not continue with the tour.

Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Government made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the New Zealand Cricket of the same. The Pakistan Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team

Read more: Tim Paine Confident of Ashes Return After Invasive Neck Surgery

Source link: INSIDE SPORT