HIGHLIGHTS

• Pakistan were scheduled to host New Zealand for a series of 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is from Sept. 17
• This is the first time in 18 years that New Zealand visited Pakistan for a cricket series
• Arrangements will now have to be made for the safe return of the New Zealand cricket team

New Zealand cricket chief David White clarified that they had no choice but to call off the tour of Pakistan after being alerted by their security officials just minutes before the first ODI in Rawalpindi on Friday.

The entire limited-overs series was called off due to security concerns. Arrangements will now have to be made for the safe return of the New Zealand cricket team, which visited Pakistan for the first time in 18 years for an international series.

Pakistan were scheduled to host New Zealand for a series of 3 ODIs and 5 T20 internationals in Rawalpindi and Lahore from September 17 to October 3.

NZC chief executive David White said it was simply not possible to continue with the tour given the advice he was receiving.

“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.”

New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills echoed Mr White’s sentiments. “We’ve been across this process throughout and are fully supportive of the decision.

“The players are in good hands; they’re safe and everyone’s acting in their best interests.”