Shoaib Akhtar, others fume over New Zealand's withdrawal from Pakistan tour

After New Zealand’s abandonment of the series in Pakistan over security concerns, former and current Pakistan cricketers do not really seem happy with the development. There is good reason for their disappointment as the series against the Kiwis was one of the first steps taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to bring back international cricket in the country. However, following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) made a unilateral decision of putting off the series for now. The news certainly is a disappointing one for the fans of Pakistani cricket and the decision could have far reaching implications on the future of the sport in the Asian country.

Former Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar was certainly not pleased with the decision that was taken. Given that it was a unilateral decision that was also criticised by the PCB, the former cricketer did not hold back on his words. “NZ just killed Pakistan cricket,” Akhtar tweeted on Friday. “Sad scenes & news from Rawalpindi,” he had tweeted a few moments earlier. Indeed, it is a big blow to the PCB that is trying to restore international cricket back to the country. Had the New Zealand series gone forward, it would have been the first Kiwi team in 18 years to play a series in Pakistan.

NZ just killed Pakistan cricket ??

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 17, 2021

Current Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was also quite disappointed at how things turned out as he penned his thoughts on Twitter as well. “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!” Azam tweeted.

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!

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 17, 2021

Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi was absolutely livid with the NZC over the decision. “On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances!! @BLACKCAPS do you understand the IMPACT of your decision?” the former Pakistan cricketer tweeted.

On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances!! @BLACKCAPS do you understand the IMPACT of your decision?

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 17, 2021

NZC STATEMENT

From the Kiwi perspective, pulling the players out was the only reasonable option as the safety of the players was of paramount importance. “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,” NZC chief executive David White said in a statement.

The NZC also released a separate statement announcing the withdrawal of the Kiwi team from the tour. “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,” the statement read.

As far as the PCB was concerned, they were quite unhappy with what had gone down. “PCB and Govt of Pakistan made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the New Zealand cricket board of the same. The 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,” a PCB statement read.