New Zealand called off their limited-overs series in Pakistan on Friday, citing a security threat. The decision to abandon the tour came as a massive blow to Pakistan, who have been trying to revive international tours in the country. New Zealand's decision to cancel the series came just minutes after the first match was due to start. Many, including Pakistan Cricket Board's new chief Ramiz Raja, slammed New Zealand for the abrupt cancellation, while others expressed their disappointment and came out in support of Pakistan cricket and their fans.
Many former and current Pakistan cricketers took to social media to express their frustration.
While former pacer Shoaib Akhtar claimed New Zealand "just killed Pakistan cricket", others such as Wasim Akram felt there was a lot more to New Zealand's decision than meets the eye.
The first murmurs of trouble started when the toss didn't take place at its scheduled time. Numerous Pakistan and New Zealand journalists took to social media, saying that both teams were still in the hotel.
Soon enough New Zealand Cricket (NZC) dropped the bombshell via an official statement on its website.
"Following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from New Zealand Cricket security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the BLACKCAPS will not continue with the tour," NZC said in a statement.
Arrangements are being made for the team to leave the country, it added.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said Pakistan had been "wonderful hosts", but "player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option".
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responded with a statement of their own, saying New Zealand made the decision unilaterally.
"New Zealand Cricket informed us they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series. Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Government made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams," PCB said in a statement.
"We have assured the New Zealand Cricket of the same. The Pakistan Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team," the statement added.
New Zealand were in Pakistan for the first time since 2003 and were due to play three ODIs, followed by five T20Is.
Pakistan are due to host England for a two-match T20I next month, while the West Indies and Australia are also set to tour the country in the next six months.