England’s tour of Pakistan in jeopardy after New Zealand's withdrawal

New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan, which was scheduled to begin on Friday, (17 September) was called off due to a ‘government security alert’. The teams were set to play eight white-ball games from September 17 to October 3. But the Blackcaps announced in a press release about their security concerns as soon as they reached the Rawalpindi Stadium.

”The BLACKCAPS are abandoning their tour of Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert” the press release read.

“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 Black Caps will not continue with the tour,” said a statement from New Zealand Cricket. “Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure.”

After the Blackcaps, England's Men’s and Women’s teams were scheduled to tour Pakistan but now that tour is also in jeopardy. The Men’s and as well as Women’s teams were all set to play two T20Is against Pakistan on October 13 and 14. The women team were scheduled to play three additional ODIs.

Earlier, England has also announced that how few of their IPL bound players might not be able to play the IPL playoffs scheduled to begin on October 10. But with the probability of England’s Pakistan tour getting cancelled, the players might continue being in the UAE during the playoffs.

The cancellation of New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan in the 19th hour does not augur well for the Men in Green. They were hoping this series could potentially signal the arrival of the teams to Pakistan.