West Indies postpones Pakistan tour citing security issues

In recent developments from the West Indies, citing security concerns, some of the players were reluctant to tour Pakistan and as a result, made themselves unavailable for the tour. Just a few weeks back, some of the key players from Sri Lankan squad pulled out of the Lahore-leg of their UAE tour, along with their coach Nic Pothas.

According to reports, senior players such as Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo went ahead and made themselves unavailable for the series. The news will be received as a huge blow to Pakistan’s and Najam Sethi‘s efforts of reviving International cricket at home.

“Some of the players were reluctant to tour when the West Indies Board spoke to them. Seniors like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo made it clear they would not be available for the series if it went ahead,” commented an anonymous source according to PTI.

Smoggy conditions at Lahore another concern for players

“Even the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) had concerns despite being sent the report of the security company hired by the ICC to inspect security situation and arrangements in Pakistan,” further added the source.

By the looks of it, even the recently concluded World XI and Sri Lankan series wasn’t enough to convince the players about the security concerns in the country.

“Apparently even the World Eleven and Sri Lankan team tours were not enough to lay to rest the concerns of some West Indies players,” concluded the source.

According to quotations from a different source, it was the smog and foggy conditions at Lahore, which led to the postponement of the tour. Also, the team has to tour New Zealand starting November 25. “But it will take place eventually as the West Indies cricket board have not backed out and are committed to making the tour,” concluded the source.