'Did you come to create drama?' - Twitter reacts on New Zealand's Pakistan tour pull out

In a major blow to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), New Zealand called off their limited-overs tour moments before the scheduled start of the first ODI on September 17 in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

New Zealand, who were touring Pakistan for the first time since 2003, had touched down the venue in two batches on Saturday and Sunday and were staying in an Islamabad facility in a bio-secure environment. However, security concerns led to the cancellation of the tour at the last moment.

“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 Blackcaps will not continue with the tour. Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure,” a press release from New Zealand Cricket stated.

The tour comprised of three ODI, which were to be played in Rawalpindi on September 17, 19 and 21, followed by five T20Is, scheduled on September 25, 26, 29, and October 1 and 3 in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Meanwhile, arrangements for the players are being made to fly back to New Zealand.

Player safety paramount, cancellation the only option: NZC chief

Terming the players’ safety paramount, 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,” he said. “The players are in good hands; they’re safe – and everyone’s acting in their best interests.”

In response, a PCB statement clarified that the New Zealand team “have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Pakistan Government throughout their stay here.”

“PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last-minute withdrawal,” it added.

New Zealand’s decision to opt-out of the tour comes at a time when international cricket is gradually marking its return in Pakistan after being in a slump for a decade due to the infamous attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore during their 2009 tour.

NZ has canceled their tour to Pakistan hours before the start of the first match…citing security concerns. This might have serious consequences on the future tours to Pakistan. England-Australia and NZ (again) slated to travel to Pak in the next 12 months. #PakvNZ

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 17, 2021

Why did you even come if you had to create the all this drama? Couldn’t you announce this a few days ago, even yesterday? #PakvNZ

— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 17, 2021

Heartbreaking 💔This is not Fair Seriously you guys are having World Best Security and no Security Issues here in Pakistan this will a bit Harsh from your Side😞 @BLACKCAPS #PAKvNZ

— Anwar Ali Khan (@realanwarali48) September 17, 2021

The security situation in Pakistan is great and satisfactory. Extraordinary security has been provided to the New Zealand team. After complete assurance and satisfaction, Call for this last minute withdrawal and postponement of the series by NZ is beyond understanding.
#PAKvNZ

— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) September 17, 2021

At the peak of Covid-19 pandemic, Pakistan cricket team endangered their lives by travelling to New Zealand for a complete series. The Pakistan ‘A’ team also accompanied the national side.

And this is how the Kiwis have responded to Pakistan's generosity.#PAKvNZ

— Fidato (@tequieremos) September 17, 2021

Have NZ forgotten how Bangladesh players were minutes away from Christchurch mosque at the time of shootings? Where was their intelligence then?

The world moved on like nothing happened but somehow touring Pak is a trip to Mordor. #PakvNZ

— Roha Nadeem (@RohaNadym) September 17, 2021

NZ security chief visited Pakistan before the series. NZ came here on his recommendation. NZ Practiced here for week.

At the last moment, they cancelled due to some message from NZ govt.

This is unacceptable. 👎👎
Have some shame New Zealand 🔥🔥#PAKvNZ

— Rising Pakistan 🇵🇰 (@Pakcoalition) September 17, 2021

.@BLACKCAPS you guys were our second favourite after Pakistan team. #PAKvNZ

— M. (@amoizmalik) September 17, 2021

Pakistani image may have suffered a blow on account of abandoning an entire series by the NewZealand Cricket board.#PAKvNZ

— Khushal Khan (@Khushal25479525) September 17, 2021

The only threat to NZ was Babar Azam. Literally this is such an unprofessional behavior. @BLACKCAPS #PAKvNZ

— Sara (@agirlnamedsaraa) September 17, 2021

Now, England will think twice before sending their team to Pakistan. You’ve ruined it for everyone. Through shortcuts, you can’t achieve your long term goals. #PakvNZ

— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 17, 2021

Huge news this, about New Zealand pulling out of their tour of Pakistan and heading back home. Feel for cricket lovers in Pakistan but since this is because of a perceived security threat, it will impact other teams touring there too

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 17, 2021