‘It’s disappointing and sad’ – Daren Sammy reacts after New Zealand call off Pakistan tour due to security concerns

West Indies cricketer Daren Sammy wasn’t a happy man after New Zealand abandoned their tour of Pakistan due to security reasons. Before the first ODI on Friday in Rawalpindi, the Black Caps took the decision of calling off the tour. NZC also refused to the reveal the details of the security threats, and the same has irked the Pakistan Cricket Board and its chairman Ramiz Raja.

Sammy, who became the honorary citizen of Pakistan in February 2020, said that the Asian country is safe for playing cricket and it’s a “home away for home” for him. The veteran also lauded the PCB, the Pakistan government for putting in the hard yards to bring cricket back to Pakistan.

I really hope the PCB recovers from it, says Daren Sammy

“Waking up this morning to the news that the Pakistan-New Zealand series has been cancelled due to security reasons was a big shock to me. It’s disappointing and sad knowing that the work the PCB, the Pakistan government and the entire people have put in to bring cricket back to Pakistan over the last six years has been amazing,” Sammy said on Pakistan Cricket’s YouTube channel.

“I never once felt not safe; it’s a place I call home away from home. This is a big blow for all the work that has been done over the last few years. I really hope the PCB recovers from it. Pakistan have always been a safe place for me over the last five years to play,” he added.

On Saturday, September 17, PCB chief executive Wasim Khan said that the board would arrange a chartered flight for the New Zealand cricketers to go back home. The Black Caps were scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is on the tour from September 17 to October 3.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan batter, also slammed New Zealand cricket for their abrupt decision. He also urged that the International Cricket Council to look into the issue.

Inzamam was of the opinion that the Kiwis could have had a talk with the PCB before taking the call. The development has also put to doubts England’s tour of Pakistan in October.