'Authorities kept us safe, need to thank them' - Tom Latham reveals happenings before Pakistan series cancellation

New Zealand Cricket decided to call off the white-ball series against Pakistan just a few hours prior to the start of the first ODI. The Black Caps abandoned the tour citing security threats. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) came forward and denied the existence of any such threats and also assured the visitors about the same. Tom Latham, who was New Zealand’s stand-in captain for the series, has opened up on the matter.

Post New Zealand’s decision, the Pakistan cricket fraternity and fans slammed the visitors over abruptly cancelling the tour. Latham also admitted that the decision of the team was very disappointing for the Pakistan fans. He asserted that it was a historic moment for New Zealand to tour the nation after 18 long years and also added that Pakistan authorities kept the team safe.

“It’s naturally very disappointing for them [Pakistan and their fans]. It was something they were very proud of. I remember doing the captain’s round with Babar [Azam] the day before and just seeing how happy he was to have international cricket and have us there. He was very excited and it was a historic moment for New Zealand Cricket to be back there 18 years since they were last there.”

“To be part of that was going to be something special, but obviously things changed. NZC acted swiftly along with the people on the ground in Pakistan. While we were there after the decision, the Pakistan authorities were brilliant. They kept us safe at the hotel and we certainly need to thank them,” Tom Latham said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

NZ Cricket obviously had players’ safety first and foremost: Tom Latham

Tom Latham is currently in Dubai and while speaking to New Zealand’s in-house media channel, he opened up about the entire matter. He described the series of events in detail. Latham further added that New Zealand cricket prioritized the safety of the players.

“It was like a normal game day. We were leaving at 12:30, and then I got a message on my WhatsApp group that we were having a team meeting at 12’o clock. Everyone was sort of wondering what was up and then we got told the news that we were heading home.”

“It was an interesting 24 hours post that decision but obviously NZC and the Players Association, everyone on the ground in Pakistan and NZ Cricket obviously had players’ safety first and foremost. For them to get us to Dubai in 24 hours was outstanding so the guys were very thankful for that.”

After New Zealand, the ECB also made the announcement that it has withdrawn from the men and women’s tour in October. Both the teams were staged to play T20I doubleheaders against Pakistan and the women’s team was planned to stay back for the ODI series in the nation.