DM Monitoring
DUBAI: New Zealand’s regular captain Kane Williamson expressed disappointment over his country’s decision to cancel the Pakistan tour just minutes before the toss for the first ODI at Pindi Cricket Stadium citing security threats. Williamson, who is currently here to participate in the remaining Indian Premier League (IPL), said in a statement that the cancelation of the Pakistan tour was a ‘real shame’.
“I don’t know the details of yesterday. It was a sudden call, but obviously, a real shame. Cricket in Pakistan is an amazing thing and so well supported. There is so much passion there and I think the guys will be gutted to not have started and playing the whole series.
But I am not sure of the details since I am in Dubai for the IPL. I will find out a bit more about it over the next few days,” Williamson told in a statement given to Indian media.
“I certainly hope not. You want to be playing the game in all countries. It is an international game and there is so much passion for it around the world, particularly in Pakistan. It was really exciting to see the series go back there and I know our team was looking forward to it.
Players’ safety is paramount and when you hear messages going through from the government, it is certainly above the players’ heads, “They were obviously over there, ready to go to the ground. It is a sudden thing that happened. I certainly hope there is no lasting impact from it because it is a special place for cricket to be and there have been a lot of strides forward to see cricket go back into Pakistan and play there safely.
We have seen that happen on a number of occasions, so hopefully, there is plenty more cricket there to come,” he was quoted adding to his statement.
It is pertinent to mention here that New Zealand called off the Pakistan tour just minutes before the first ODI and called back their team immediately citing security threats.
