BlackCaps abandon tour to Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert

[Aman]

I agree with you, but in this case why even begin the tour and check into the hotel? This late stage cancellation is unexpected to say the least.

The threat level in Pakistan has risen, honestly I trust our government more than the PCB or Pakistan's government. You would be the same.

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Iftikhar Ahmed: “I am the most famous finisher in Pakistan”.

No Iftikhar, it is the New Zealand cricket team. They finished off the whole tour without playing a single ball.

No wonder it is party time for you. This is saddest day in cricketing history. It is baffling to see someone posting sarcastic and funny posts here.

[AMSS]

We deserve this humiliation.

Thank you PTI government. Thank you to the most incompetent government in Pakistan history.

There is no coming back after this humiliation. We are back to square one.

If the reports that Imran personally called NZ PM and assured of best security at the hands of the best intelligence agency are true then the magnitude of this debacle goes up in spades.

[Dr_Bassim]

Iftikhar Ahmed: “I am the most famous finisher in Pakistan”.

No Iftikhar, it is the New Zealand cricket team. They finished off the whole tour without playing a single ball.

Whats your take on this?

[IMMY69]

Iftikhar Ahmed: “I am the most famous finisher in Pakistan”.

No Iftikhar, it is the New Zealand cricket team. They finished off the whole tour without playing a single ball.

At least you don't even try to hide your glee.
A true patriot

[Cric_lover4487]

I took day off to watch the match today with my Pakistani friend and it’s canceled ��

[Shafi]

Is that a normal procedure or was there some credible reports of a bomb?..

In that case man oh man, how can you expect NZ to continue after such a threat..

Source please???

[Cric_lover4487]

Is the tour canceled or postponed?

[Aman]

Source please???

My post had a youtube video, it's been removed.

[Mamoon]

“Wasim Khan should get an extension because he convinced major teams to play in Pakistan and warded off their apprehensions about security in Pakistan”

Well this narrative sank harder than Titanic.

[Shafi]

Iftikhar Ahmed: “I am the most famous finisher in Pakistan”.

No Iftikhar, it is the New Zealand cricket team. They finished off the whole tour without playing a single ball.

What to do with Iftikhar?

[90MPH]

My hunch is the NZ security advisors got some really bad intelligence to call this tour off right now.

Let’s also add what has happened in Afghanistan in the mix and that makes them even more jittery

[TheInaudibleParadox]

Country's fault for still playing a game introduced by Colonials.

[Aman]

My take on this is that Pakistan will once again face security problems after the Taliban resurgence in Afghanistan.

The next 10 years are probably going to be as bad as the early 2010s.

New Zealand were alerted of a lead and they naturally were not going to take any risks.

We will, of course, blame India as usual. However, whether we blame India or Sudan, we are back to square one.

It's idiotic to blame NZC for choosing not to disregard what the government has advised and risk their lives for a game of cricket. It's disappointing to see so many people here blame NZC for this. No game is worth risking your life for.

[IAJ]

Let's hope the Kiwi players and staff can get safely to their country. Not their fault.

And we should wait for the minister's presser later on.

[marlonbrowndo]

Country's fault for still playing a game introduced by Colonials.

This guy gets it

[redmaverik84]

The Western or more so the Developed World's view of terrorism and security is different from the Desi mindset. B'desh toured NZ and were nearly involved in the mosque incident but they were brave enough to continue knowing that this was a lone wolf attack and chances of that happening again immediately are rare.

If the Talib takeover of Afg was the reason, then the tour would have been cancelled and everyone could have saved on flight tickets but if this had to happen a few hours back, there should have been something credible and am sure this is shared with the PCB. Whether it comes out in the open needs to be seen but PCB always seem to have leaks, so wait for a day or 2.

PS: I am sad that no cricket is taking place, I came in here today to check where this was being streamed.

[Greenstorm]

If there is no genuine security threat, PCB and Pakistan government should take a firm stance on this. No more shifting series to neutral venues drama. This will keep on happening forever if we don't put our foot down now.

[90MPH]

What to do with Iftikhar?

Some people are loving this, it’s not hard to figure out why. Deranged is the word

[marlonbrowndo]

Apparently Rahat Ali was spotted near the stadium and his bowling was deemed to be too big of a threat. That’s what my sources are telling me

[Shafi]

“Wasim Khan should get an extension because he convinced major teams to play in Pakistan and warded off their apprehensions about security in Pakistan”

Well this narrative sank harder than Titanic.

As usual nonsense talk. Wasim Khan is just a human, not a military/security intelligence.

[Junaids]

Very poor media release by the PCB.

The Kiwis wouldn’t have gone to Pakistan if they didn’t intend to play.

Does anyone seriously expect them to defy a security alert from their own government?

The situation is unfortunate, but the PCB press release is a disgrace.

[Maliq_Mudasir]

It's idiotic to blame NZC for choosing not to disregard what the government has advised and risk their lives for a game of cricket. It's disappointing to see so many people here blame NZC for this. No game is worth risking your life for.

No one is against NZ team here. They are supposed follow what govt orders.

But govt. needs to come up with enough evidence of threat, otherwise it is just a hoax.

[Babar_the_Destroyer]

I doubt anybody will tour after this this is a gaffe of epic proportions,in before people blame nz cricket team , questions need to be asked about the security as well plus govt ,why would a country that has been at the recieving end in 02,comes after 19 yrs would bow out of tour ,there must have been solid inputs.

[Major]

Where are the Taliban supporters now? I hope you lot are happy.

Called it on the first day, that the taliban always spills over to our side.

[Mamoon]

Few days back, @Junaids wrote that the reemergence of Taliban will ensure that the big teams do not tour Pakistan.

He was 100% correct. Our ambitions of hosting the major sides are done and dusted.

I would suggest Bangladesh or Sri Lanka as an alternative venue to UAE. They have better pitches.

[Third Man]

Iftikhar Ahmed: “I am the most famous finisher in Pakistan”.

No Iftikhar, it is the New Zealand cricket team. They finished off the whole tour without playing a single ball.

Why are you so happy, btw? And don't say you're not. It's practically oozing from your posts.

[Ab Fan]

What happened all of a sudden?

Is the reason COVId or some other security concerns due to which NZ pulling out of the series?

[Aman]

If there is no genuine security threat, PCB and Pakistan government should take a firm stance on this. No more shifting series to neutral venues drama. This will keep on happening forever if we don't put our foot down now.

If given the choice between continuing or risking forfeiting, I'm pretty sure NZC is taking the forfeit. This wont do Pakistan any good and will further alienate them from other teams because of how they conduct their business.

[Rajdeep]

Its sad news...was looking forward to some cricket this friday. Will Eng tour now?

[Dr_Bassim]

It's idiotic to blame NZC for choosing not to disregard what the government has advised and risk their lives for a game of cricket. It's disappointing to see so many people here blame NZC for this. No game is worth risking your life for.

So why did Bangladesh continue to tour?

Or perhaps you are snobbishly suggesting that the life of a NZ player is worth more than life of a Pakistani/Bangladeshi.

[Aman]

What happened all of a sudden?

Is the reason COVId or some other security concerns due to which NZ pulling out of the series?

NZ government alerted NZC of a threat and had no choice but to cancel the series. Players are flying out of Pakistan as soon as they can.

[Abu_Hamza]

Sir @Mamoon was right that a single threat will be enough to damage whatever Nazam Seth and then following him Wasim Khan did for bringing teams to Pakistan. Now even Zimbawe wont come. Teams are already somehow managing to play in these covid times and then this security threat. Now ENG, AUS wont take two risks together so they wont even think of coming to Pak.

[dravidthewall]

Ah. So will PCB ask NZC to forfeit the series ?

Or reschedule the series?

[Pakhs]

The Western or more so the Developed World's view of terrorism and security is different from the Desi mindset. B'desh toured NZ and were nearly involved in the mosque incident but they were brave enough to continue knowing that this was a lone wolf attack and chances of that happening again immediately are rare.

If the Talib takeover of Afg was the reason, then the tour would have been cancelled and everyone could have saved on flight tickets but if this had to happen a few hours back, there should have been something credible and am sure this is shared with the PCB. Whether it comes out in the open needs to be seen but PCB always seem to have leaks, so wait for a day or 2.

Please stop blaming India for what has happened now without credible info. I doubt BCCI would ask NZ not to tour Pak, their interest lies with Kashmir and as long as that part isnt involved, they don't care. I also highly doubt if Modi (its his bday today) would have influenced the NZ PM to cancel the tour, we Indians don't care much as long as it doesn't involve 'K'.

Could RAW have done something naughty? This would have been porbable if Afg had the earlier India friendly govt, definitely not now with Talib in charge.

Another possibility, considering how close NZ and USA are, and with the displeasure expressed by USA top guns on Pakistan's involvement in toppling the Afg govt, would it be possible that this is vengeance by USA by looping in their close friends to boycott Pakistan.

PS: I am sad that no cricket is taking place, I came in here today to check where this was being streamed.

Oh common what rubbish these were small games of cricket. Why would someone like USA have anytime to even think about these games?

[90MPH]

Very poor media release by the PCB.

The Kiwis wouldn’t have gone to Pakistan if they didn’t intend to play.

Does anyone seriously expect them to defy a security alert from their own government?

The situation is unfortunate, but the PCB press release is a disgrace.

If NZ government ain’t going to share the intelligence of this threat what do you expect PCB to say ?

Like I said I don’t blame their players or even their board.

My gut feeling is they got some poor intelligence and just panicked at the last minute.

A shame really, no one wins and Pak cricket loses big time. And their fans of course

[Sycamore]

Anyone having a go at NZ cricket board, Pakistan Cricket Board needs to shut it. As if the boards have any power in this case. Its the NZ government who held all the cards.

[Aman]

What happened all of a sudden?

Is the reason COVId or some other security concerns due to which NZ pulling out of the series?

NZ government alerted NZC of a threat and had no choice but to cancel the series. Players are flying out of Pakistan as soon as they can.

Reports security advisors at the ground also advised the team against travelling to the ground.

[Abu_Hamza]

Sir @Mamoon was right that a single threat will be enough to damage whatever Nazam Seth and then following him Wasim Khan did for bringing teams to Pakistan. Now even Zimbawe wont come. Teams are already somehow managing to play in these covid times and then this security threat. Now ENG, AUS wont take two risks together so they wont even think of coming to Pak.

[Slim]

Shocked, disappointed and feeling terrible over this news. Multiple teams have toured and it had to be Kiwis to bring us back to square one.

[90MPH]

Or reschedule the series?

Yeah I think it will be rescheduled, it’s a good possibility but might take a good year though

[Aman]

Or reschedule the series?

Think the press releases said postponed.

[161]

Big mistake by the PCB to invite them in the first place.

NZ and Aus like to fake being not racist but their actions always speak for themselves.

[bujhee kom]

Pakistan will never host cricket again. Ever. This is the sad reality.

[Walawalkar]

A sad day for Pakistan cricket fans
Will have major impact on the future tours as well.

[Civil]

No need to blame others. (NZ players or India etc.)

At this point no need to even blame PCB or pakistanis. If this is coming to light right before the match whilst the team has been in pindi so long it means security arrangements were fine

If threat level update is related to Afghan situation then nothing we can do.

[Abu_Hamza]

[QUOTE=loves_cricket;11295896] Seriously? We are so powerful

In the current scenario even a visit by those teams looks improbable.

[Aman]

If NZ government ain’t going to share the intelligence of this threat what do you expect PCB to say ?

Like I said I don’t blame their players or even their board.

My gut feeling is they got some poor intelligence and just panicked at the last minute.

A shame really, no one wins and Pak cricket loses big time. And their fans of course

Early stages, what happened will all come out in a few days. I feel some are letting their emotions cloud their judgement, remains to be seen if there was a credible threat or hoax. Either way, NZC have their right to not continue.

[ARK Rafay]

To call the whole tour of at the last moment and to make arrangement for departure suggests this story has been developing for days and that the New Zealand security agency have absolute evidence of a massive security threat.

You don't call of things at the last moment and start to make departure arrangements unless you are absolutely sure of a security threat and have lead for it than Pakistani security agency.

[TheInaudibleParadox]

Pakistan will never host cricket again. Ever. This is the sad reality.

Good they should drop the colonial product forever.

[ravisurya]

Sad day for cricket fans but their was always going to be a fall out from supporting the Taliban.

[shah_1]

They have to share the intelligence report with us.

[Snatch]

Let's drop the hysteria for one second and think logically. NZ had already committed to the tour, so it likely had to be something serious like a an planned attack at the ground or teams' hotel.

Why people would blame the NZ team or cricket board, and whining about pay-back etc is beyond me. They've been instructed by their government.

And lest we forget the hotel bombing when NZ last visited in 2002.

The team would be crazy to defy the advice of their government & risk it, especially for a meaningless series against a NZ C team.

Get a grip people.

[ARK Rafay]

Early stages, what happened will all come out in a few days. I feel some are letting their emotions cloud their judgement, remains to be seen if there was a credible threat or hoax. Either way, NZC have their right to not continue.

I can understand Pakistani fans. Many are extremely frustrated of this outcome. Particularly the sudden nature of it.

But I agree. Give it a few days and we'll have much more to uncover and see.

[OldWarHorse]

Damn that came out of nowhere.

[90MPH]

Pakistan will never host cricket again. Ever. This is the sad reality.

Calm down mate

[ravisurya]

Good they should drop the colonial product forever.

What next? Drop all sports? Drop music and movies?

[shah_1]

To call the whole tour of at the last moment and to make arrangement for departure suggests this story has been developing for days and that the New Zealand security agency have absolute evidence of a massive security threat.

You don't call of things at the last moment and start to make departure arrangements unless you are absolutely sure of a security threat and have lead for it than Pakistani security agency.

I agree

We need to know the details.

[OneManShow]

I'm sorry but this situation is totally stupid. We have provided top level security to touring teams with so many added barriers to our supporters such as multiple checkpoints and closures in and around the stadia. If there is a threat then that needs to be proven credible. This sounds terribly like external meddling.

[Jeetlodil]

NZ government alerted NZC of a threat and had no choice but to cancel the series. Players are flying out of Pakistan as soon as they can.

Reports security advisors at the ground also advised the team against travelling to the ground.

Flying out immediately may not be appropriate. Should wait for things to calm down and then fly. Its not easy to fly immediately after having faced a terror threat.

[Last Monetarist]

Pakistan was always going to pay a price for its horrendous geopolitical strategy and tacit antagonism against the west due to its close association with China. No sympathies at all.

[TheInaudibleParadox]

What next? Drop all sports? Drop music and movies?

No. Just stupid ones introduced to them by foreigners.

[Snatch]

They have to share the intelligence report with us.

They may do depending, they may not. It depends. The bigger point is they don't actually owe you anything

[Rana]

They have to share the intelligence report with us.

That’s if they actually care about the loss of innocent life in Pakistan

[SangasCoverDrive]

Pakistan was always going to pay a price for its horrendous geopolitical strategy and tacit antagonism against the west due to its close association with China. No sympathies at all.

And Taliban

[Aman]

Flying out immediately may not be appropriate. Should wait for things to calm down and then fly. Its not easy to fly immediately after having faced a terror threat.

Not immediately, actual phrasing used was arrangements are being made for their departure. Some other tweet said they were flying out immediately.

[Jeetlodil]

The nails in the coffin of cricket keep increasing. The game will die a natural death.

[bujhee kom]

Good they should drop the colonial product forever.

Why do you follow and comment on a board dedicated to said sport?

[maint12345]

Very wrong move by imran to personally call the nz PM. It reeks of desperation.
Already its major headlines in bbc , al Jazeera , etc.
With the way the Afghanistan situation has devolved , and imran khan shooting his mouth off about the western countries in Afghanistan, it seems to be payback time.
Remember India and Pakistan played in sri Lanka when the aussies withdrew during the civil war.
Also England continued their tour of India inspite of the Mumbai attacks .
Their is a strong political element in sports and you cant keep on badmouthing countries and expect sports to continue ss usual.

[Runner Up]

So that means NZ players won't be available for PSL as well?

[Aman]

I agree

We need to know the details.

These are going to come out in the coming days. Given NZC, the NZ government and NZPA all think there is no choice but to leave suggests there's a serious threat. The way they've phrased it makes it sound serious as well, both countries Prime Minister's also involved.

[RedwoodOriginal]

This is shocking, shameless stuff from the NZ govt. I refuse to believe that their intel was better than the intel on the ground of our security agencies. The sheer breath and comprehensiveness of the security arrangements itself was astonishing. As someone who lives in Pindi I have seen first-hand how comprehensive they are. A journalist covering the series said the arrangements were even comprehensive than he had seen in recent times.

The NZ govt. should be ashamed of themselves. They have not just cancelled an entire tour on bad intel but caused long-standing damage to Pakistan cricket and everything it has done in the last few years to bring cricket back.

[TheInaudibleParadox]

Btw it has nothing to do with a security threat. It is global politics at play. Pakistan keeps on asking from approval from the very people that despise them. People will say I am extreme or an idiot but until people understand that they'll keep on licking on the boots of their previous rulers.

[Aman]

So that means NZ players won't be available for PSL as well?

Possibly.

[globalcitizen]

I know people are anguished by this situation and some immature ones on twitter will react. But noted people from pakistan are targeting nz , and I am afraid this will harm the reputation even more of pakistan.

[Major]

Btw it has nothing to do with a security threat. It is global politics at play. Pakistan keeps on asking from approval from the very people that despise them. People will say I am extreme or an idiot but until people understand that they'll keep on licking on the boots of their previous rulers.

Global politics?

NZ and Pakistan have good relations. Why would they ruin relations?

Would had made sense if it was Bangladesh or India or even Afg.

[Tabishbeigh]

I feel pained by the this event. It is beyond me to explain my disappointment. I had been waiting months for this tour. This tour was an ill thought plan with situation in Afghanistan as uncertain it is.
we must accept it as ALLAH will and move on with our affairs. This too shall pass

[redmaverik84]

Sorry for you Pak fans, as a fellow Desi I cant tell you how much Sport has integrated our society and helped India grow over the past 10-15 years. Unlike the West its not easy for us to just hop in a car and go watch our favorite team play a Sport. But of late (before Covid atleast) it was a possibility.

[shah_1]

They may do depending, they may not. It depends. The bigger point is they don't actually owe you anything

Why?

They were planning to attack NZ players so why would they not share the intelligence reports so we can catch the culprits

[TheInaudibleParadox]

Global politics?

NZ and Pakistan have good relations. Why would they ruin relations?

Would had made sense if it was Bangladesh or India or even Afg.

Global politics is larger than bilateral relationships.