'Do you understand the impact of your decision?' - Shahid Afridi lambastes New Zealand for last-minute pull out

New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan was called off due to security concerns. As soon as the Blackcaps reached the Rawalpindi Stadium, the team was caught off-guarded by the view. While there are no concrete reasons as to why New Zealand called off the series, early indications hint that it was due to a lack of proper security arrangements.

Stating about New Zealand government security alert as the reason behind their decision, the Blackcaps announced their decision to cancel the series. The tour comprised of three ODIs and five T20Is starting from September 17 to  October 3. New Zealand had arrived in Pakistan earlier last week. Their officials were also content with the security arrangements put in place by Pakistan and the tour was to begin, only to have been called off due to security issues.

”The BLACKCAPS are abandoning their tour of Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert” the press release read.

“The side was to play Pakistan this evening in the first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series. However, 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.”

This news has not gone down too well with former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi. In his official Twitter account, he expressed his disappointment on the New Zealand team. “On a HOAX threat, you have called off the tour despite all assurances!!@BLACKCAPSdo you understand the IMPACT of your decision?”

On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances!! @BLACKCAPS do you understand the IMPACT of your decision?

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 17, 2021

England’s tour of Pakistan in doubt after New Zealand pull out

This was historic in sense for both Pakistan and New Zealand as the tourists were set to play in this part of the world after 18 years. For the home team, it was the start of the visiting teams to tour Pakistan after the infamous attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009.

After New Zealand, England was set to tour Pakistan for a two-match T20I series. Both England men’s and women’s teams were due to play on October 14 and 15. But due to New Zealand pulling off at the last minute due to security concerns England’s touring Pakistan is now under doubt.