'They will hear us at ICC' - PCB chief Ramiz Raja lashes out at New Zealand after series pull out

Reacting to New Zealand’s decision to cancel their white-ball series against Pakistan at the last moment, Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ramiz Raja has expressed his disappointment, while calling out the visitors over their “unilateral approach on a security threat”.

“Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC”, read Raja’s tweet on September 17.

Notably, Raja was only recently elected unopposed and unanimously as the PCB chief after being recommended by Prime Minister and PCB’s Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan.

New Zealand pulled out of the tour minutes before the start of the scheduled play owing to a security threat. “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.

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, PCB stated: “The security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Pakistan Government throughout their stay here,” a PCB statement read.

“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.”

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. All of it, only to be cancelled at the last moment.