New Zealand’s much-awaited tour of Pakistan was called off in an unfortunate manner. Although the Kiwi team landed in Pakistan for three ODIs and five T20Is, they were called back without playing a single match. The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) cited security concerns behind the sudden cancellation of the tour. Notably, this would have been the New Zealand cricket team’s first national assignment on Pakistan soil since 2004.

With the significance of this series being so high, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had made several preparations. However, they faced disappointment as the tour was called off. As per the latest development, PCB are set to endure huge financial losses due to the cancellation of the series. In fact, the cricket board is staring at a hefty amount just to pay the food bills of security officials hired for the Kiwi team.

Recently, New Zealand Cricket abandoned their white-ball series against Pakistan citing security threats. The PCB, however, denied any such threats and assured the visiting team about the same. Soon after this, ECB also announced that it has withdrawn the men’s and women’s team from tours of Pakistan in October. Prime Minister Imran Khan thus met Pakistan’s T20 team ahead of the upcoming World Cup to boost the morale of the players.

The players arrived at the PM’s office wherein the PCB Chairman was also present. The meeting was held in the backdrop of the recent events wherein New Zealand and England pulled out from the series against the nation. As per sources, PM Imran Khan advised the players to play fearless cricket in the upcoming T20 World Cup. He also pinned his hopes on the nation hosting international cricket soon.

Kevin Pietersen also opined that David Warner would have thought on the day before the match that he would find it difficult to find a way out against the likes of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada. Pietersen concluded by stating that Nortje was successful in knocking over Davi.