‘Cannot digest this’ – Inzamam-ul-Haq urges ICC to intervene after New Zealand abandons tour of Pakistan

Former Pakistan cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq has lashed out severely at New Zealand Cricket for abandoning their tour of Pakistan. On Friday, September 17, before the first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the NZC released a statement, quoting that it won’t be able to carry on with the tour due to security concerns.

The Black Caps also refrained from divulging details regarding the security threat. Inzamam expressed his frustration and said that New Zealand could have had a conversation with the Pakistan Cricket Board before taking the abrupt decision. Inzamam put forth his opinions on his YouTube channel.

“No country can do to another what New Zealand have done to Pakistan. They were our guests and if they had some issues they should have spoken to the PCB. Pakistan had been providing New Zealand with the best security. Since the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in 2009, we have given security to teams’ equivalent to that given to a visiting President,” Inzamam said.

Even our PM had spoken to them, says Inzamam-ul-Haq

Inzamam has also urged the International Cricket Council to get involved in the matter. The veteran was clear cut in saying that the Kiwis shouldn’t have pulled the plug on the tour hours before its start.

“ICC must step into this. Also, If New Zealand have some inputs related to security, why are they not showing it? If not to PCB, then at least show it to the ICC. Even our PM had spoken to them and given them assurances.

“If New Zealand had spoken to Pakistan about their concerns, the security agencies could definitely have looked into to. But just before the match they said, they cannot play because of some threat. At least let us know what your problem is? I cannot digest this,” he added.

The New Zealand team is set to return to their home country on Saturday. Wasim Khan, the PCB chief executive, mentioned that a chartered flight will be arranged to take the players back home.

The tour cancellation has also put England men’s and women’s tour of Pakistan under doubts. Both tours are scheduled to take place in October and the ECB is busy delving deep into the matters.