New Zealand cancel Pakistan test series over security concerns

New Zealand decided on Friday to cancel a series of test matches scheduled for Islamabad, citing security reasons. The first meeting should have taken place that same day. Pakistan has however assured that everything had been implemented for the safety of the players.

Pakistani information minister Fawad Chaudhr said Prime Minister Imran Khan, former international cricket star, spoke on the phone with his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern to reassure her.  » However, the New Zealand Prime Minister asked to postpone the meeting. », He affirmed.

This decision is a blow to Pakistan, deprived for years of international competition on its soil following the 2009 attack against the Sri Lanka team (eight dead (six police officers and two civilians), seven players wounded).

It could also call into question a tour of the England team, world champions, scheduled for October, which would be the first in 16 years.