Posted by New Zealand had abandoned their Pakistan series following a New Zealand government security alert and was always just a matter of time when England would officially give a statement on cancelling the tour.
ALSO READ – NZ ABANDON PAKISTAN SERIES : https://wp.me/pd8tMB-rW
ECB yesterday put out an official statement that read, “The Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams (Men’s and Women’s) from the October trip”. This decision has left Pakistan cricket in disbelief, Pakistan have and is working tirelessly to see return of international cricket in their nation.
ECB’s OFFICIAL STATEMENT : “The ECB has a longstanding commitment to tour Pakistan as part of the Men’s Future Tours Programme in 2022.
“Earlier this year, we agreed to play two additional T20 World Cup warm-up games in Pakistan in October, adding a short women’s tour with double headers alongside the men’s games.
“The ECB Board convened this weekend to discuss these extra England Women’s and Men’s games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip.
“The mental and physical well-being of our players and support staff remains our highest priority and this is even more critical given the times we are currently living in. We know there are increasing concerns about travelling to the region and believe that going ahead will add further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of operating in restricted Covid environments.
“There is the added complexity for our Men’s T20 squad. We believe that touring under these conditions will not be ideal preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where performing well remains a top priority for 2021.
“We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the PCB, who have worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in their country. Their support of English and Welsh cricket over the last two summers has been a huge demonstration of friendship. We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasise an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022.”
Pakistan’s newly appointed chairman, Ramiz Raja expressed his view tweeting; “Disappointed with England, pulling out of their commitment & failing a member of their Cricket fraternity when it needed it most. Survive we will inshallah. A wake up call for Pak team to become the best team in the world for teams to line up to play them without making excuses.”
Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam expressed his view tweeting; “Disappointed, yet again. We have always tried to accommodate the interests of the game but others simply don’t. We have come a long way in our cricketing journey and it will only get better with time. We will not only survive but thrive as well. In shaa’Allah. 🇵🇰❤️🏏.”
PCB did expect England to pull out and had approached Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for a home series, both Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) showed strong willingness but denied their request; the reason being, the T20 World Cup’s to commence in less than a months time and the boards found it difficult to squeeze in a short tour.
If Pakistan don’t manage a white-ball series, be it home or away they’ll lack preparation going into the T20 World Cup.
Bureau of sports 