New Zealand on Friday abandoned the ODI series against Pakistan due to ‘security reasons’ just before the first match in Rawalpindi. This decision has left many disappointed, including former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, who tweeted that “NZ just killed Pakistan cricket.”

Several other Pakistani cricketers also expressed their disappointment and slammed New Zealand for the last-minute decision to withdraw. 

“On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances!!  Do you understand the IMPACT of your decision?” Shahid Afridi tweeted.

“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 tweeted. 

New Zealand was supposed to play Pakistan at Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five match T20 series.

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“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,” the New Zealand Cricket board said in a press release on Friday, adding that arrangements were being made for the team’s departure.

Following this, the Pakistan Cricket Board tweeted that earlier in the day they were informed by the New Zealand Cricket Board “that they had been alerted to some security alert.”

They “have unilaterally decided to postpone the series,” PCB tweeted. 

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NZC chief executive David White said that pulling out of the tour was the “only responsible option”.

“I understand this will be a blow for the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option,” he said.