NZ skipper Kane Williamson speaks out on Pak tour pullout after loss

Pakistan fans were seen hooting ‘security, security’ as the New Zealand players, taunting them for last month’s cancelled tour, after Babar Azam and co defeated the Blackcaps in the T20 World Cup game on Tuesday. The Kiwis had pulled out of the tour citing security reasons and their skipper Kane Williamson believes the decision was ‘unfortunate and beyond the players’ control’.

Riding on pacer Haris Rauf’s clinical bowling show with four wickets for 22 runs, Pakistan restricted New Zealand to a total of 134 for eight and chased it down with eight balls to spare. Babar Azam and company lead Group 2 of the Super 12 with four points in two games. 

Also read: After win over NZ, Babar Azam says will look to carry forward the confidence

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised Pakistan’s performance after the loss. He was asked to address the abandoned tour in the post-match press conference. 

“That was obviously a very unfortunate, disappointing situation for Pakistani cricket fans and the cricketers, a decision that was outside of the players’ control. But all the guys were there looking forward to that series to start, and unfortunately it didn’t happen. So it was very disappointing for all involved,” the Blackcaps skipper said.

New Zealand had cancelled the tour and left Pakistan just hours before the first ODI at Rawalpindi.

When asked if the Pakistan team and their fans were aggressive towards New Zealand, Williamson said, “No, they played in the right spirit, I believe, and a great spirit. They’re a very competitive, proud cricketing nation, and they showed that tonight. They’ve been outstanding in the first couple of games of this tournament. I’m sure they’ll be very, very competitive throughout the back end as well. Their hopes are high, no doubt.”

Also read: T20 World Cup: Kiwi pacer Ferguson ruled out of tournament with calf tear

The 31-year-old also shed some light on whether he would like to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). 

“The Pakistan league is a brilliant league. Sometimes that clashes, I think, with some of our cricket back home. So that’s always a tough one, but as an international player, often you do look at these other opportunities when the timing is right, and they’re always fantastic experiences. I’ve heard a lot of really good things from other players that have played over there as well. Yeah, it’s, I suppose, something to consider in the future,” he said.