Skipper Babar Azam has strongly reacted to the cancellation of the Pakistan tour by the New Zealand cricket team just ahead of the first match of the series on Friday.
The abrupt cancellation has taken entire Pakistan with shock including skipper Babar Azam. Fans had been waiting for the crisp and strong response from the cricketer. Babar Azam voiced his disappointment and showed full confidence in the capabilities of Pakistan’s security agencies.
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja has a message for Pakistan cricket fans pic.twitter.com/cwEfcQXxus
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 18, 2021
“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!,” said Babar Azam in a tweet.
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 (@babarazam258) September 17, 2021
Sri Lanka played all 3 formats in Pakistan. South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh & Zimbabwe played in Pakistan. Many Int'l cricketers played for World XI & PSL in Pakistan, including New Zealand cricketers. All these were possible only because Pakistan safe for cricket. #Cricket
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) September 17, 2021
ECB “We’re aware of New Zealand’s decision to pull out of the Pakistan tour. We are liaising with our security team who are on the ground in Pakistan to fully understand the situation. We will then decide in the next 24-48 hours whether our tour should proceed" #PAKvENG #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) September 17, 2021
PCB should boycott all matches with New Zealand @blackcaps, barring World cup matches, until they apologize and hold a full series in Pakistan. Anything less is a shameful betrayal of Pakistani fans. #PAKvNZ
— Asfandyar Bhittani (@AsfandBhittani) September 17, 2021
Read more: No security threat in Pakistan: PM Khan assures New Zealand
Disappointment in Pakistan
Massive reactions have been poured in on Twitter as Pakistani citizens from all over the world are strongly reacting and demanding an explanation from the New Zealand cricket board for abandoning the tour at the eleventh hour despite being given the highest security.
Cricketers, netizens, and government dignitaries have expressed their remorse over the sudden cancellation of the tour.
Read more: PM Khan and Raisi discuss the humanitarian situation of Afghanistan
Netizens have shown full confidence in the efforts and services of the Pakistan Cricket Board to international teams in a bid to resume international cricket in Pakistan.
I Believe New Zealand Cancellation Is The FIRST REACTION Of Losers After Afghanistan Against Pakistan……
— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@MirMAKOfficial) September 17, 2021
Crowd outside Rawalpindi cricket stadium were holding pics of New Zealand players, flag of new Zealand, posters thanking them to visit Pakistan. Just imagine what they must be going through after NZ canceling their tour to Pak? This is just so heartbreaking.
— Saith Abdullah (@SaithAbdullah99) September 17, 2021
They are also expecting a strong response from the newly-sworn in PCB Chairman, Ramiz Raja.
Cricket fans were hoping to witness the cricket in full swing as other international teams were expected to visit Pakistan in the next few months.
The return of the New Zealand cricket team has made the tour of other international cricket teams of Pakistan uncertain. Fans have called it a major setback but are expressing solidarity with the security agencies of Pakistan.
However, a timely and expected response from skipper Babar Azam has won the hearts of cricket fans once again.