The New Zealand Cricket team decided to call off the match at the last minute after the team was supposedly informed of a “security alert.” Apparently, they chose to back out despite receiving high immunity from the Pakistani government and an in-depth security evaluation, thus, leaving cricket fans extremely disappointed and outraged.
The BLACKCAPS are abandoning their tour of Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert.
Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure.
More information | https://t.co/Lkgg6mAsfu
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 17, 2021
Netizens are furious and many popular voices took to Twitter to voice their displeasure at New Zealand’s abrupt decision.
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja shared on Twitter what a “crazy day” it was, concluding the tweet with New Zealand “will hear us at ICC.”
Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) September 17, 2021
Moreover, Wasim Akram feels let down by New Zealand since Pakistan has proven the security measure for the international games to be of “highest orders.”
Furthermore, the former Cricketer claims that “we are not hearing the whole story.”
Extremely disappointed in NZ choice to abandon the #PAKvNZ tour. Pakistan has proven that our security measures for international games is of the highest order, making Pakistan one of the safest places in the world to play cricket today. I feel we are not hearing the whole story
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) September 17, 2021
Likewise, the “abrupt postponement” by New Zealand has left Captain Babar Azam is “extremely disappointed”. Adding that he has “full trust in the capabilities and credibility of our security agencies.”
Extremely disappointed on the abrupt postponement of the series, which could have brought the smiles back for millions of Pakistan Cricket Fans. I've full trust in the capabilities and credibility of our security agencies. They are our pride and always will be! Pakistan Zindabad!
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 17, 2021
On the other hand, Shahid Afridi calls the security concern a “hoax”.
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
In addition to that, the former Captain of the Pakistani Team urges that action be taken regarding the decision by the New Zealand cricket team.
It’s time for @ecb_cricket to show their appreciation of @therealpcb through actions and not words. Despite the mind boggling @blackcaps decision, Pakistan remains a safe place to tour. ECB shouldn't forget our support for them last year in a very tough Covid-19 situation.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 18, 2021
PCB isn’t far behind. The official Twitter account shared screenshots of the tweets of several cricketers regarding the New Zealand cancellation.
What they are saying! #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/6fSiQF8MqZ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 17, 2021
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja calls it “shared pain” in a video message to the nation.
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja has a message for Pakistan cricket fans pic.twitter.com/cwEfcQXxus
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 18, 2021
Peshawar Zalmi Captain Darren Sammy shares the same sentiments.
Disappointed waking up to the news of the cancellation of the Pakistan Vs New Zealand series because of security issues.Over the last 6 years playing and visiting Pakistan has been one of the most enjoyable experiences. I’ve always felt safe. this is a massive blow to Pakistan ☹️
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) September 17, 2021
In addition to that, many Pakistani Cricketers – including Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Muhammad Hafeez – shared their feelings on the incident as well.
Pakistan 🇵🇰 intelligence agencies & Pakistan armed forces r Pride of every Pakistani. This unilateral decision of @BLACKCAPS is not acceptable. Pakistan 🇵🇰 is safe & Proud county.
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 17, 2021
– Just landed & got the news of New Zealand tour cancellation, IMO if Srilanka can visit Pakistan after what happened followed by countries like SA, WI, BD, ZIM in recent times with successful tours, why not NZ?
Not only me, millions of cricket fans are gutted by this decision..— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) September 17, 2021
تم ہو ایک زندہ و جاوید روایت کے چراغ
تم کوئی شام کا سورج ہو کہ ڈھل جاو گے۔۔مشکل گھڑی ہے لیکن ہمارا عزم ان مشکلات سے بڑا ہے#پاکستان_زندہ_باد
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) September 17, 2021
Similarly, Actor Humayun Saeed calls the incident “strange and disturbing”.
Strange & disturbing move by New Zealand. The entire world is aware law & order in Pakistan is under complete control; our security & intelligence agencies are outstanding at their job. Last minute cancellation without any proof makes NO sense! Disappointing for millions of fans!
— Humayun Saeed (@iamhumayunsaeed) September 17, 2021
Many Twitterati found the last-minute cancellation suspicious, calling it a “conspiracy” or a “defamation tactic”
Just a glimpse! #PakvsNZ pic.twitter.com/0nBQh5EChP
— Aalia Rasheed (@aaliaaaliya) September 17, 2021
#PakSafeAndProudCountry
NZ is being used by enemies of Pakistan, as a tool, to defame Pakistan pic.twitter.com/vEwL3MArhC— Saman (@Mehu00701) September 17, 2021
Many cricket enthusiasts even took this opportunity to make fake accounts of international cricketers to claim how safe the country is.
I have visited almost every part of world. I found Pakistan most peaceful country. It is ridiculous decision of New Zealand. I stand with Pakistan. Pakistan Zindabad.
#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/hkMjjg78tP— Fakhar Abbas (@FakharTheAbbas) September 18, 2021
I play cricket leagues around the globe. When I travel to Pakistan, I never feel any kind of threat. Pakistan is safest Country in World.
I Stay strong @TheRealPCB
@TamimOfficial28 @PereraThisara#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/3Bs9gNbZgv— David Miller (@juarez_jlm) September 18, 2021
It got so out of hand that international players had to involve themselves!
I have always enjoyed myself in Pakistan, the people are very welcoming and the security has never been an issue!! This tweet is however from a fake account!! https://t.co/RaRcGdfwNJ
— David Wiese (@David_Wiese) September 17, 2021
Seriously, it’s turning into a meme-fest
International cricketers waking up to see their fake accounts with thousands of rts and likes#PakSafeAndProudCountry pic.twitter.com/EXbFrjRYdQ
— HighOnChaye 🇵🇸 (@HighOnChaye) September 18, 2021
Ya Allah hum sbky gunahon ki saza bhi New Zealand cricket team ko dena
— عالیہ🌻 (@aleeyahehe) September 17, 2021
The only unsafe thing in Pakistan is when you order an anday wala burger and they put khota in it. pic.twitter.com/ApsQHMHP6N
— Dennis 5th Floor (@DennisCricket_) September 17, 2021
I have some friends like New Zealand, cancelling plans on me last min for no reason!
— Shahveer Jafry (@shahveerjaay) September 17, 2021
What’s your take on the whole scenario? Let us know!
Cover image via @iramizraja / Twitter, Getty Images, @iramizraja / Twitter