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BlackCaps abandon tour to Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert

I'm not trying to be smart here, just honest. If my car had to be checked for bombs when I went shopping, I might very well consider living elsewhere. Many do for those reasons, I know some of them.

Really. It is just a small stick with a mirror put underneath your car. They also briefly look in your trunk. It is a pretty standard procedure. I think this is the problem. It seems pretty dramatic to you but quite normal here. Things are safe.

The tour being cancelled is a classic case of people in distant locations dramatizing the developing world.
 
I feel for Pakistan fans but unfortunately i trust my government on matters of safety. They have done a brilliant job so far.
 
Their source is apparently 5 eyes.

If it's 5 eyes intel, they need unanimous approval of other countries in the group to share even a snippet of intelligence to 3rd party nations like Pakistan. NZ is least influential partner in the group so that might not be possible depending on the source of the intel. In such a case, even NZ Govt hands might be tied to not divulge more intel.

Either case, foolish to call NZ players or cricket board cowards. They are not cleared and it is unsafe for them to detailed security brief. They only get 30 word instructions to leave immediately. They have no choice.
 
Yeah how can they cancel a tour without giving any opportunity to Pakistani security to even assess the threat? Is it the case that NZ got spooked by something else (maybe the covid protocol) & conveniently trying to put it on security to wiggle out of the tour?
 
If there is no conspiracy behind it then why did they cancel the series so abruptly the day before it begun? If they really cancelled because of the Afghan situation, they would have already cancelled it a month back.
 
If it's 5 eyes intel, they need unanimous approval of other countries in the group to share even a snippet of intelligence to 3rd party nations like Pakistan. NZ is least influential partner in the group so that might not be possible depending on the source of the intel. In such a case, even NZ Govt hands might be tied to not divulge more intel.

Either case, foolish to call NZ players or cricket board cowards. They are not cleared and it is unsafe for them to detailed security brief. They only get 30 word instructions to leave immediately. They have no choice.

And intelligence just came before the toss. I didn’t believe in coincidences but, I guess I have to start believing them and say what a coincidence.
 
Imagine a country hosting multiple armies including US and many others who are evacuating the Afg region and somehow NZ team isnt safe.

I dont know the specifics of why NZ pulled out and I probably will never know but I do know its not just the NZ players are safe that concerns NZ, it would be just as tragic if anyone was injured or killed preventing the team from being attacked.
 
If it's 5 eyes intel, they need unanimous approval of other countries in the group to share even a snippet of intelligence to 3rd party nations like Pakistan. NZ is least influential partner in the group so that might not be possible depending on the source of the intel. In such a case, even NZ Govt hands might be tied to not divulge more intel.

Either case, foolish to call NZ players or cricket board cowards. They are not cleared and it is unsafe for them to detailed security brief. They only get 30 word instructions to leave immediately. They have no choice.

Isn’t the world fighting the same war on terror? Why would they hide such intel that could be used to eliminate terrorists trying to kill foreigners?
 
The problem is that previous PCB administrations have been too nice to touring countries. Countries like NZ and Australia can cancel your on whims and PCB had been incredibly accommodating to them. IK is different and he should force the PCB to not tour NZ.
 
I'm no Taliban supporter but the Afghan and Pakistan ones are like two different species
 
Oh dear, not again

Dont think so. PSL changed the dynamics along with recent tours of many teams. Yes against NZ, Aus and Eng one will have to see that what approach Pak takes. UAE or any neutral venue takes a lot out of the revenue for home board. I highly doubt PCB will accept this when there is nothing substantial in play at Pak’s end that require this.
 
Isn’t the world fighting the same war on terror? Why would they hide such intel that could be used to eliminate terrorists trying to kill foreigners?

Theoretically it came compromise their intelligence gathering mechanisms. However two things: they can still tell Pakistan of the threat without divulging how they got the info. This doesn't seem to have happened. Second, within Pakistan it is almost impossible that foreign intelligence knew of something but Pakisfan doesn't, given how deep Pakistani intelligence has penetrated terrorist networks since around 2010 or so.
 
Isn’t the world fighting the same war on terror? Why would they hide such intel that could be used to eliminate terrorists trying to kill foreigners?

Also if there is such intel, what about the armies being hosted in Islamabad. They must be evacuating within 24 hrs as well because of this intel then.
 
Where are the Taliban supporters now? I hope you lot are happy.

Called it on the first day, that the taliban always spills over to our side.

I'm no Taliban supporter but the Pakistan and Afghani one are like two different species
 
When the WI pulled out of a tour to India while in India, the BCCI demanded $40 million from the WI. If only the PCB had such sway
 
My guess here is NZ doesn't have a specific threat but their government downgraded Pakistan travel advisory, and they are abandoning the tour based on that reason. Pakistan should only respond by not touring NZ in future until NZ complete this tour first.
 
Isn’t the world fighting the same war on terror? Why would they hide such intel that could be used to eliminate terrorists trying to kill foreigners?

I am not claiming 5 eyes group is a moral organisation. In fact, quite the opposite.
 
Interior minister of Pak has also stated, not a single concrete fact was provided. As per him NZ PM told Pak PM that there was some intel that when Nz team will leave there would be some attack to which Pak PM assured security. There is not a such single intel received by any of the other agencies involved.

One has to understand that informers/agents sometimes get last moment intel which they pass on to their agencies. They cant obviously know plan of action 2 weeks beforehand for sake of convenience. If you read any book or watch movies , the terror outfits usually don't reveal their plan to their own men till last minute.

So who knows in this case some informer got info at last moment and was lucky enough to pass on info to get this cancelled. If he/she may have not been able to pass on info no one knows what kind of tragedy could have happened. Besides the details will not be likely come out because that would endanger their informer .

Logically NZ if they did not intend to play would not have sent players and brought airtickets and all other expenses to back out last moment. One has no choice but to trust the agencies that are given the task of protecting the normal civilian.
 
I'd be really intrested in knowing the reasons for this cancellation at the very last minute.
sorry for the genuine cricket lovers in pak.
all the more motivation for pak players to do well in T20 WC, especially against NZ.
 
My guess here is NZ doesn't have a specific threat but their government downgraded Pakistan travel advisory, and they are abandoning the tour based on that reason. Pakistan should only respond by not touring NZ in future until NZ complete this tour first.
Why do people think this would change anything? We're not going to send players over if the government or security agencies tell us it's not safe.
 
One has to understand that informers/agents sometimes get last moment intel which they pass on to their agencies. They cant obviously know plan of action 2 weeks beforehand for sake of convenience. If you read any book or watch movies , the terror outfits usually don't reveal their plan to their own men till last minute.

So who knows in this case some informer got info at last moment and was lucky enough to pass on info to get this cancelled. If he/she may have not been able to pass on info no one knows what kind of tragedy could have happened. Besides the details will not be likely come out because that would endanger their informer .

Logically NZ if they did not intend to play would not have sent players and brought airtickets and all other expenses to back out last moment. One has no choice but to trust the agencies that are given the task of protecting the normal civilian.
Yup, if the threat is credible, it's good they caught it early and called it off early rather than proceeding and cricket being gone from Pakistan a good 20-30 years.
 
Why do people think this would change anything? We're not going to send players over if the government or security agencies tell us it's not safe.

I don't think that will change anything. It just means NZ has to be treated the same way it treated Pakistan.
 
Also if there is such intel, what about the armies being hosted in Islamabad. They must be evacuating within 24 hrs as well because of this intel then.
No, that only applies to cricket teams. One can’t exactly shoot back with a cricket bat.
 
Lol major

Blaming taliban

Remember it was usa and afghan army who handed the whole country over to the taliban on a silver platter . They cut and run out of the blue in middle of the night.

It has nothing to do with ik or military

Infact pakistan saved their sorry backsides in giving the key logistical support to get out in one piece .

This is all geo political and goes beyond a game of cricket , expect worsening ties they will isolate pakistan and the afghan taliban like North Korea, Iran.
They also realigning their relationship with china and becoming increasingly hostile towards China.
And since pakistan is an all weather friend of China, pakistan will obviously be against their interests .
 
Not out of the question. Apparently they tried the same thing Zimbabwe when they were touring in 2015.

Yeah right :kohli
By the way how many times did your BD bros tour pak or will u now say the BCCI have a hotline to the BD cricket board and hammer them 24/7 X 365?
 
Looks like whole thing is staged. They could cancelled the series a month earlier if they have issue with Afghanistan. But by doing last minute drama they actually put Pakistan in World's black list. Shameless act from NZ. If you cannot help others please don't harm at least.
 
To match the theatrics of NZ correctly, Pak should abandon after taking the field but before bowling the first ball.

That like what kindergarden kids do *** for tat. He threw my book so ill throw his book.
Practically speaking..what will doing what you suggest achieve? Financially or politically or cricketingwise? What will that achieve?

PCB tried to pull a similar kind of stunt in 2009 when they blocked their players from playing IPL .....with over confidence that it will dilute the IPL brand and cause BCCI losses. Heres the link https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/10130/no-pakistan-players-in-ipl-2009-cricbuzzcom.
It backfired and now IPL is growing but Pakistan players are missing out on $$$$.

My point is that in corporates or government dealings, emotions needs to be kept aside and mutual interests or profits should be sole criteria for any decision making to resolve any situation
 
i guess no other country, where attacks took place, was ever in bed with talibanis..that association takes the threats to a different level..

Taliban came to power long before NZ even arrived in Pakistan. They could have called it off already before coming.
 
Yeah right :kohli
By the way how many times did your BD bros tour pak or will u now say the BCCI have a hotline to the BD cricket board and hammer them 24/7 X 365?

Nothing to do with BD. Zimbabwe were less concerned with the security issues at the time and it was reported that India created hoax security issues to get them to not tour.
 
It's hard not to feel the injustice of it all. PCB must foot the bill while again Pakistan's reputation takes a hit for factors outside its control despite sparing no expense for NZ's security. People will rage at the double standards - Manchester attack occurs but the Champions Trophy goes ahead in England. NZ had no issues attracting visiting teams since Bangladesh's narrow escape in Christchurch. One also doubts if NZ would've fled so abruptly had this been a tour of England, Australia or India.

However one must analyse the situation objectively. It's futile blaming the NZ team or board when they're acting upon advice of their security consultants and government. The question is what was the nature of the threat that's so severe to prompt a last minute cancellation, and how credible was it ? And why wasn't that information shared with us ?

Sadly after 2002 and 2009 even the slightest risk is enough to cause teams, particularly Western sides, to flee minutes before the toss. There remains a gap between Pakistan's reality, which many here can attest to, that its major cities are immeasurably safer than 10 years ago, and Pakistan's perception.

Pakistan cannot complete control its perception. It occupies a dangerous geopolitical faultline so we're exposed to the consequences of every flareup. If Afghanistan's government changes, if Modi picks a fight before an election to appease his base, or trouble brews in Iran then Pakistan feels the blowback.

However Pakistan has its share of own goals. The President recently backed an amnesty for TTP militants who lay down their arms, while the Voice of TTP escaped from military custody. The Prime Minister thinks Pakistan doesn't even need a softer image. And then there's the Taliban takeover.

Look I'm not arguing whether supporting Afghan Taliban was the right or wrong move. Pakistan is entitled to pursue its strategic interests. I understand why Pakistan supported pro-Pakistani proxies in Afghanistan - though I would've de-emphasised the jihadi aspect due to the catastrophic blowback on Pakistani soil.

But if we believe supporting an internationally isolated group like Afghan Taliban is right move for our security, then you must live with the consequences of that trade-off.

TLDR - Iftikhar Ahmed was the security threat. NZ bowlers feared another vintage 100 (49).
 
We deserve this humiliation.

Thank you PTI government. Thank you to the most incompetent government in Pakistan history.

There is no coming back after this humiliation. We are back to square one.

Huh, that's a childish comment. Only India mix politics with sports. Its fine India got humiliated in Afghanistan and I will take that. ;-)
 
That like what kindergarden kids do *** for tat. He threw my book so ill throw his book.
Practically speaking..what will doing what you suggest achieve? Financially or politically or cricketingwise? What will that achieve?

PCB tried to pull a similar kind of stunt in 2009 when they blocked their players from playing IPL .....with over confidence that it will dilute the IPL brand and cause BCCI losses. Heres the link https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/10130/no-pakistan-players-in-ipl-2009-cricbuzzcom.
It backfired and now IPL is growing but Pakistan players are missing out on $$$$.

My point is that in corporates or government dealings, emotions needs to be kept aside and mutual interests or profits should be sole criteria for any decision making to resolve any situation

Abandoning the tour just before the toss is practically kindergarten stuff rather then my post on a cricket forum.

In the end sports, entertainment has commercial aspects. Deal goes two ways, you can’t expect Pak to keep showing up and increasing money in the banks of other boards when they can’t reciprocate. No emotions are here, just a business decision regarding the which I have given my opinion. I have as a fan mentioned the potential repercussions in one of my posts and said that as a big cricket fan I will be open to accept those as well as this kind of behaviour not on.

No emotions here just decisions based upon commercial and business side of the things considering the long run. You can disagree without assuming my emotions.
 
All this talk of credible intelligence from 5 eyes. lol

Must be another innocent guy, delivering water bottles to his family, hes lucky he didnt come near the stadium or wouldve been blown to bits along with his kids like last weeks incidence by US of A.
 
Here's a lesson, don't go running to tour others and make them money when they don't reciprocate.

Should just let cricket take a back seat for now in my opinion. Obviously other countries don't want to play with Pakistan when their strategic objectives aren't being met.
 
What infuriates me is that they could have left before. Now they ruined everything done In last 5 years
 
Hearing that NZ were afraid an attack might happen when traveling from the Hotel to the Stadium. I wonder how they will get to the Airport maybe there are "tunnels" that go straight to the Plane. If NZ wants to be really safe they should make arrangements and Air Lift their team back to there cowardly country.
 
Theoretically it came compromise their intelligence gathering mechanisms. However two things: they can still tell Pakistan of the threat without divulging how they got the info. This doesn't seem to have happened. Second, within Pakistan it is almost impossible that foreign intelligence knew of something but Pakisfan doesn't, given how deep Pakistani intelligence has penetrated terrorist networks since around 2010 or so.

May be true or may not be true.

Bin Laden's situation was either known to Pakistan or they were inept to know nothing about it. Pick one situation.


--------------

Obviously, NZ had the intention to play otherwise they wouldn't have traveled to start with. Taliban coming to power with the support of Pakistan will have some repercussions. Even a slight credible threat will spook teams like Aus or NZ because they had troops fighting against the Taliban.

Hopefully, not all teams start canceling tours because Pakistan was slowly but surely getting back to hosting games in Pakistan.
 
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PCB should re-appoint Misbah and Waqar. :inti

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Africa have all toured Pakistan for full series' without any fuss,when they were at the helm. The moment they got sacked, all this happens. I mean... this can't be a coincidence.
 
But if we believe supporting an internationally isolated group like Afghan Taliban is right move for our security, then you must live with the consequences of that trade-off.

I am not participative on the time pass side of the forum due to this very reason and the number of topics can take 100s of offshoots.

Unless we agree that US intelligence agencies were completely unaware that Talibans were going to takeover the country once they leave then there is nothing to debate and that would prove agencies might not be as credible as some are applying here when US also couldn’t figure it out.

Everyone knew what was going to happen and everyone accepted it and so has Pakistan so absolutely no difference here. Not going to go into the history of the things but, currently I am not sure what Pak is doing differently than other countries who are supposedly “world leaders”.
 
Considering it was called off right before the toss shows it was pre meditated. We just got played. Hopefully we play NZ in the WC and give them an unimaginable phainty.
 
I believe it is the right decision. We need to admit Pakistan is not a safe place. In the last two weeks, there have been at least 4 attacks including one suicide bombing. Not to mention that dozens of Chinese engineers have lost their lives and foreigners continue to be the target of militants.
 
I believe it is the right decision. We need to admit Pakistan is not a safe place. In the last two weeks, there have been at least 4 attacks including one suicide bombing. Not to mention that dozens of Chinese engineers have lost their lives and foreigners continue to be the target of militants.

These cricket teams are travelling under president level security. They have been there for a few days already. Nothing happened. The unilateral decision for no apparent reason. Terrorist attacks happen in w estern countries too
 
Shame on NZ cricket and NZ government if they are not sharing inputs.

This is a big conspiracy. Knowing that rejecting to tour initially would not have made any real impact on pushing Pak further down.

NZ and co lost the respect and tag of being good guys. #shamefullcountry
 
‘This is a conspiracy to defame Pakistan because Pakistan was emerging as a global power,’ Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed.
 
I feel for Pakistan fans but unfortunately i trust my government on matters of safety. They have done a brilliant job so far.

So you are telling me your government was doing its homework months before NZ team agreed to tour and at the last minute did a brilliant job in identifying a threat?

Pull the other one.
 
These cricket teams are travelling under president level security. They have been there for a few days already. Nothing happened. The unilateral decision for no apparent reason. Terrorist attacks happen in w estern countries too

Nothing happened? This is how attacks happen. What kind of logic is that? Compare the number of terror attacks in Pak to Western nations.
 
Just tuned in. Shocked with the news. I was looking forward to this series. I feel so sad for Pakistan. Cricket was coming back, things were looking up. Lot of heartache for fans and headache for Ramiz. Oh man.

I wonder what could have happened in the last 12 hours that NZ took this drastic step.
 
Pakistan needs to impose a cost like withdraw from lcc wt20 or just disband the cricket structure in Pakistan.
 
However Pakistan has its share of own goals. The President recently backed an amnesty for TTP militants who lay down their arms, while the Voice of TTP escaped from military custody. The Prime Minister thinks Pakistan doesn't even need a softer image. And then there's the Taliban takeover.

Look I'm not arguing whether supporting Afghan Taliban was the right or wrong move. Pakistan is entitled to pursue its strategic interests. I understand why Pakistan supported pro-Pakistani proxies in Afghanistan - though I would've de-emphasised the jihadi aspect due to the catastrophic blowback on Pakistani soil.

But if we believe supporting an internationally isolated group like Afghan Taliban is right move for our security, then you must live with the consequences of that trade-off.

+1

It's a trade-off and Pakistan feels that country is better off by supporting internationally isolated groups like Taliban.

There is nothing PCB could have done here. It is also not a humiliation. A decision was taken considering all trade-offs. The decision being wrong or right is a different issue.
 
Just tuned in. Shocked with the news. I was looking forward to this series. I feel so sad for Pakistan. Cricket was coming back, things were looking up. Lot of heartache for fans and headache for Ramiz. Oh man.

I wonder what could have happened in the last 12 hours that NZ took this drastic step.

NZ discovered something special in last 12 hours which they couldn't discover for past 3 months. Their intel deserves an award of the stupidity.
 
Remember, the NZ team has experienced a bomb attack in Pakistan this century.

They wouldn’t have gone to Pakistan if they didn’t intend to play!

They caused more harm than good they Had High level security.India already stated that something will happen in terms of attack time ago I belive.
 
+1

It's a trade-off and Pakistan feels that country is better off by supporting internationally isolated groups like Taliban.

There is nothing PCB could have done here. It is also not a humiliation. A decision was taken considering all trade-offs. The decision being wrong or right is a different issue.

I'm sure Pakistan would prefer to support internationally lauded groups, but reality is that the Taliban is on Pakistan's borders and they are the ones Pakistan has to deal with. They are the same ones UK and other govts will be dealing with before long, Boris Johnson has already intimated as such.
 
NZ discovered something special in last 12 hours which they couldn't discover for past 3 months. Their intel deserves an award of the stupidity.

Irrational thoughts here.

New security threats may emerge within 2-3 days. Now threat may be credible or simply noise, but that's a different issue.
 
Very poor decision making by NZ on all accounts (based on the news so far). Unilateral is never a good look, nor is changing the security threat level of a country overnight and not providing the information as to why this is the case.

I know for a fact teams face security threats where ever they go, as I have been involved in travel in the past, there have been threats in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It's odd how the latter is the one targeted the most by administrations...or maybe not so weird.

It is greatly disappointing from a cricketing standpoint, from a global political stand point also. What leverage will the PCB have, if any on the world stage at the ICC?
 
I'm sure Pakistan would prefer to support internationally lauded groups, but reality is that the Taliban is on Pakistan's borders and they are the ones Pakistan has to deal with. They are the same ones UK and other govts will be dealing with before long, Boris Johnson has already intimated as such.

Good point! Not sure how aware members on here are when it comes to international politics but the US and the UK have both been negotiating with the Taliban for a decade if not more, they personally hand picked chief negotiator Baradur, not to mention UNICEF had just signed a contract with the Taliban and were working with them since December of 2020...so it's strange to pick on the Pakistani government looking to work with the Taliban too.

Ignorance or bias?
 
The problem is that previous PCB administrations have been too nice to touring countries. Countries like NZ and Australia can cancel your on whims and PCB had been incredibly accommodating to them. IK is different and he should force the PCB to not tour NZ.
How do you know it has not already been shared with the intelligence agencies. May they don't want to put it in the public domain incase it compromises some operation.
 
‘This is a conspiracy to defame Pakistan because Pakistan was emerging as a global power,’ Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed.

A government of clowns. :)))

What sins did we commit for this government to rule us?
 
It is such a ridiculous to see NZ intelligence cannot even identify its own security thereat within their country but can identify security threat from a foreign country in last minute.
 
Good point! Not sure how aware members on here are when it comes to international politics but the US and the UK have both been negotiating with the Taliban for a decade if not more, they personally hand picked chief negotiator Baradur, not to mention UNICEF had just signed a contract with the Taliban and were working with them since December of 2020...so it's strange to pick on the Pakistani government looking to work with the Taliban too.

Ignorance or bias?

Bias from the poster. Unintentional as he tries to present an objective argument, but the little slips give the game away.
 
Even 1% threat is too much. No there is no conspiracy here other then the situation in Afghanistan. Said so before this tour was announced that I'll believe it when i see it. Don't expect any other country to visit soon either if players are feeling unsafe. It is the curse of Afghanistan being our neighbour that cancelled this tour. Much better to cancel the tour then see dead bodies again although one wonders if the PCB did not see any threats then how come the NZ board did? Welcome to Pak cricket, Ramiz.

Thier is threat where ever you go does that mean we cancel everything.India already reported this time ago.players were safe hence why they travelled to Pakistan
 
A government of clowns. :)))

What sins did we commit for this government to rule us?

You should be born in Western World where saints are running the countries. There is no people on the streets. Everyone is prospering.
 
On a serious note though. Let's think logically and not emotionally. I think NZ made the right call given the regional instability and the attacks that have happened in recent times.

If it was the other way around. PCB probably would still have given a green light to continue but really though if you're professional and value your players. You would do everything possible to protect them even if there was a hint of intelligence or feeling that things have changed. Pakistan hasn't even been able to give the Chinese the security they are demanding. So I'm not surprised. Until all the attacks continue I don't see cricket starting unfortunately.
 
Really sad and tragic. I need to wait for more information before I can conclude on this fiasco.
 
well... as shocking and as disappointing as it gets, I hope NZ security advisers relay the threat details to ISI, and then ISI takes care it from there.

It would be nice to get to the bottom of this "security threat".
 
I won't believe a damn word out of New Zealand until they share the specific intelligence they shared that made them take such a drastic step.
 
I'm sure Pakistan would prefer to support internationally lauded groups, but reality is that the Taliban is on Pakistan's borders and they are the ones Pakistan has to deal with. They are the same ones UK and other govts will be dealing with before long, Boris Johnson has already intimated as such.

I am not saying what Pakistan should have done. Like another poster, I am simply saying that there will be some expected consequences. We can debate if consequences are justified or not, but consequences are not unexpected.

Now this NZ tour getting called off may not be a direct result of Taliban. We don't have any information. But everything taken together creates a perception. It will be harder for countries like NZ or Aus to neglect any threats when it comes to touring Pakistan.

Cricket fans are the losers here. Pakistan was doing a nice job of getting some tours. This may have an
impact on future tours.
 
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