‘NZ just killed Pakistan cricket’: Pak cricketers react after tour cancellation

Pakistani cricketers, including Babar Azam, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar and others have expressed their disappointment after the New Zealand cricket board abandoned Pakistan series at the last minute.

Taking to Twitter, Babar wrote: “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!”

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

While Shoaib Akhtar wrote: “NZ just killed Pakistan cricket.”

NZ just killed Pakistan cricket 😡😡

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 17, 2021

“On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances! @BalackCaps do you understand the IMPACT of your decision,” questioned Afridi.

On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances!! @BLACKCAPS do you understand the IMPACT of your decision?

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 17, 2021

Dejected and disappointment are my emotions right now. For many years we’ve shown that Pakistan is safe for cricket. So sad to see the tour end without starting 💔 #PAKvNZ

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) September 17, 2021

💔 #PakvsNZ

— Sana Mir ثناء میر (@mir_sana05) September 17, 2021

The security situation in Pakistan is great and satisfactory. Extraordinary security has been provided to the New Zealand team. After complete assurance and satisfaction, Call for this last minute withdrawal of the series by NZ is so sad. Sorry to our cricket fans 😞 #PAKvNZ

— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) September 17, 2021

It is making me more sad thinking about how upset our fans must be after receiving this news. To the world, I want to repeat our country is safe for cricket.

To our fans, We the Pakistan team promise we will turn these sad feelings into happy ones In Shaa Allah 💪🏻
🇵🇰 Zindabad

— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) September 17, 2021

My country is safe. And my country is safe for cricket. This is a heartbreaking moment for us as a team and for all the fans. We will keep making our efforts iA💪🏻Pakistan Zindabad!🇵🇰🇵🇰

— Imam Ul Haq (@ImamUlHaq12) September 17, 2021

A wrong precedent has been set & it's not a good omen at all for 🏏 fraternity.
Our security & intelligence agencies r capable to curb & assess any kind of threat .
In past few years, they successfully managed safety & security of international 🏏 events.#PakistanZindabad

— Haris Rauf (@HarisRauf14) September 17, 2021

Heartbreaking news…New Zealand could have used another reason.. Security isn't a reason because Pakistan has one of the best Security base in the world #FakeNews pic.twitter.com/NP7FyGvBv6

— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) September 17, 2021

This is heartbreaking. Pakistanis love cricket so much, we have worked really hard to bring cricket back here. PSL & other teams visiting Pakistan is evidence of our hospitality & security arrangements. We will continue our efforts. #PakistanZindabad

— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) September 17, 2021

The series has been postponed after New Zealand expressed security threats. Despite Prime Minister Imran Khan talking to New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and ensuring her that the levels of securities are high, the series was called off.