ECB Chief issues apology for cancelling series against Pakistan, promises ‘proper’ tour next year

The cancellation of New Zealand and England’s tour of Pakistan has created a lot of hullaballoo in the cricket world lately. The two teams were set to play white-ball matches in Pakistan ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, cricket boards pulled out of the tour due to different reasons. While the Kiwi side received orders from government due to security concerns, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) cited the physical and mental well-being of players behind their decision.

ECB’s reasoning left many members of the cricket fraternity bewildered as many English players are currently plying their trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Seeing the backlash of fans and cricket personalities, ECB chief Ian Watmore has tendered an apology and announced a ‘proper’ tour of Pakistan next year.

I’m very sorry to anyone who feels hurt: ECB chief Ian Watmore

“I’m very sorry to anyone who feels hurt or let down by our decision, particularly in Pakistan. The decision the board made was an extremely difficult one and the board made it with the primary consideration being the welfare and mental health of our players and staff,” Watmore told Daily Mail.

Watmore also announced that ECB is looking forward to a tour of Pakistan next year. “We’ve recommitted to a proper tour, a scheduled tour, of Pakistan next year and will get on with planning that. We will have longer to plan that trip,” he added.

For the unversed, England’s men and women’s teams were scheduled to travel Pakistan in October. While the men’s side was set to a play a couple of T20Is ahead of the global event, the women’s side would have planned two T20Is and three ODIs. Although these fixtures won’t go as per plans now, the ECB chief has vowed to travel the Asian nation next year.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chaudhry has welcomed ECB’s decision with open hands. “Announcement of ECB to visit Pakistan next year is a welcome step,I would like to thank stars of cricket world, diplomatic community, Media And Cricket lovers around the world on their support for pakistan Cricket, yet again Pak has emerged as strong and resilient nation,” he tweeted.

Announcement of ECB to visit Pakistan next year is a welcome step,I would like to thank stars of cricket world, diplomatic community, Media And Cricket lovers around the world on their support for pakistan Cricket, yet again Pak has emerged as strong and resilient nation

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) September 29, 2021