PAK NZ Series: Just before the first ODI, New Zealand pulls out of Pakistan's limited-overs tour due to a "security alert."


The Kiwis abruptly ended their Pakistan trip on Friday, hours before the start of the first One-Day International in Rawalpindi, citing a "security warning".
On Friday, New Zealand abruptly ended its one-day international series against Pakistan owing to a "security concern," and preparations are being made for its departure. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) issued a statement saying that the squad will not continue the tour due to a "increase in the New Zealand Government danger levels for Pakistan." Pakistan was scheduled to play three one-day internationals (ODIs) before a five-match Twenty20 international series against New Zealand.
"Following a security notice from the New Zealand government, the BLACKCAPS have decided to cancel their tour to Pakistan. The first of three one-day internationals against Pakistan was to be played today evening in Rawalpindi, followed by a five-match Twenty20 series in Lahore "Cricket New Zealand stated in a press statement.
As a result, the New Zealand government has raised the danger level for Pakistan, and security advisers on the ground have advised the NZC to stop the trip.

David White, the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket, defended the last-minute move, saying that the players' safety comes first.
NZC CEO David White stated, "I appreciate this will be a disappointment for the PCB, who have been fantastic hosts," but player safety is important and this is the only responsible choice.

To be clear, it was made "unilaterally" by Pakistan Cricket Board to postpone the series.

"Earlier today, New Zealand Cricket told us that they had been notified to some security alert and had unilaterally decided to postpone the series," PCB stated in a media release.
"All visiting teams were well-protected thanks to the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistani government. That much is clear to the New Zealand Cricket. The Pakistani Prime Minister personally communicated with New Zealand's Prime Minister, informing her that Pakistan has one of the world's top intelligence systems and that the visiting delegation faces no security danger."

PCB also stated that they are ready to proceed with the currently planned matches.
"The security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Pakistan Government throughout their stay here. PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches.
However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal," PCB's statement added.

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