PCB clarifies that its home series against NZ won’t be played outside of Pakistan

After an 18-year hiatus, New Zealand returned to Pakistan for a white-ball series. The visitors, however, abandoned the tour just minutes before the first ODI, citing security concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opposed rescheduling the series at a neutral location after New Zealand Cricket (NZC) expressed its willingness to do so.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has said that no home series will be played at a neutral venue. According to a Pakistan board representative, New Zealand will have to go to Pakistan to play the series. The official further stated that playing on a neutral venue is not an option for Pakistan’s schedule.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board has stated unequivocally that no home series will be played outside of Pakistan. New Zealand will have to travel to Pakistan if they want to play. The Pakistani team is scheduled to work through December of this year. As a result, playing in a neutral location is not an option,” the official added

The Black Caps’ decision to cancel their tour of Pakistan infuriated the nation’s cricket supporters and cricketing community. New Zealand said that the series would be cancelled owing to security concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board, on the other hand, rejected any such threats, claiming to have full-proof security systems in place and assuring the NZC of this. The NZC’s Chief Executive, David White, has since indicated that the series will be rescheduled.

The New Zealand cricket squad arrived in Pakistan on September 11 for an ODI and T20I series against Pakistan. The ODI matches were scheduled to take place on September 17, 19, and 21 at Rawalpindi Stadium. The Gaddafi Stadium, on the other hand, was scheduled to host five T20I matches from September 25 to October 3.