New Zealand Cricket general manager David White has released an explanation after the New Zealand cricket team withdrew from the Pakistan tour.
New Zealand was supposed to play Pakistan in three ODI games and five T20 Internationals, but on the ODI game day of September 17, hours before the draw, the Blackcaps pulled out of the entire white ball streak.
TIt’s been a terribly difficult time for PCB: New Zealand Cricket
New Zealand’s decision disappointed players and fans alike as they expected cricket action in the country after a long time. White thanked his Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) counterpart for taking care of the New Zealand cricket team.
“We understand that this has been a terribly difficult time for the PCB and wish to convey our sincere thanks to General Manager Wasim Khan and his team for their professionalism and care,” White said in an official statement.
We couldn’t stay in Pakistan: New Zealand Cricket
Discussions were held between Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Imran assured that his country has the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat will undermine the visiting team.
Ardern supported New Zealand Cricket’s decision and said player safety is paramount.
White mentioned that before canceling the tour, the board was in constant contact with their government officials and when they were made aware of a credible threat, they decided to leave Pakistan.
“What I can say is that we were informed that this was a specific and credible threat to the team. We had several conversations with New Zealand government officials before taking the lead. decision and it is after informing the PCB of our position that we understand that a telephone discussion took place between the respective prime ministers, ”White said.
“Unfortunately, given the advice we had received, we had no way of staying in the country.
“Everything changed on Friday. The advice has changed, the threat level has changed and therefore we have taken the only responsible action possible, ”he added.
According to some reports, the New Zealand cricket team arrived in Dubai on Sunday and will be subject to a 24-hour quarantine period before most of them return home.
Read also: “New Zealand will hear us at ICC”: PCB President Ramiz Raja threatens Kiwis to withdraw from Pakistan tour
