Pakistan cricket board have suffered
another shock after New Zealand’s last-minute decision to abandon their tour
because of a credible security threat. Pakistan has been trying its
best to get international cricket back in the country but it hasn’t worked well so far. Following in the Kiwis’ footsteps, England and
Wales Cricket Board announced their decision to pull out of both the men’s and
women’s teams tour citing “concerns about travelling to the region”.

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The men’s teams were supposed to meet for
two T20 International fixtures in preparation of the T20 World Cup while the
women’s team was supposed to tour for three ODIs and two T20 Internationals.

The news was not taken well by Pakistani
cricketers, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the fans alike.
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Former cricketer Mohammad Amir also cited his disappointment by tweeting, “It’s time to win the World Cup,it’s
time to have Pakistan’s biggest ever PSL season at home, its time to react! ITS
TIME TO ROAR. #PakistanZindabad”

Pakistani batter Javeria Khan called for the country to remain united and tweeted, “The way England and Newzealand
have turned their backs on Pakistan will make Pakistan more strong. Our
strength lies in being united and extending help wherever we can. Others may
do, what suits them. Pakistan Zindabad #PAKvENG”

Sania Mirza’s fiancé Shoaib Malik, who
captained the team from 2007-2009 tweeted, “- Sad news for Pakistan cricket, just stay strong… We will
be back stronger, inshAllah!”

While commentator Wasim Akram did not
stay quiet either.

While talking to ESPN cricinfo PCB’s chairman Ramiz Raja said, “I am severely disappointed in England’s withdrawal but it was expected because this western bloc gets united unfortunately and tries to back each other,” Ramiz said. “So you can take any decision on the basis of security threat and perception. There was a sense of anger because first New Zealand got away without sharing information about the threat they were facing.”

He added “We go in the World Cup now and where we had one team in our target – our neighbours [India], they now add two more teams – New Zealand and England. So pick up the strength and develop a mindset that we are not going to lose because you didn’t do right by us with us and we will avenge that in the ground.”

Will the Pakistani cricket team be a serious contender for
the T20 World Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.