ECB decide to withdraw both teams from the October trip to Pakistan

[Saj]

From the ECB

"The ECB has a longstanding commitment to tour Pakistan as part of the Men's Future Tours Programme in 2022.

"Earlier this year, we agreed to play two additional T20 World Cup warm-up games in Pakistan in October, adding a short women's tour with double headers alongside the men's games.

"The ECB Board convened this weekend to discuss these extra England Women's and Men's games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip.

"The mental and physical well-being of our players and support staff remains our highest priority and this is even more critical given the times we are currently living in. We know there are increasing concerns about travelling to the region and believe that going ahead will add further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of operating in restricted Covid environments.

"There is the added complexity for our Men's T20 squad. We believe that touring under these conditions will not be ideal preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where performing well remains a top priority for 2021.

"We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the PCB, who have worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in their country. Their support of English and Welsh cricket over the last two summers has been a huge demonstration of friendship. We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasise an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022."

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

A shame but completely understandable.

 

[ahmadharis1]

Expected decision, tough luck but I don't blame them at all

 

[Savak]

There goes the Australian tour as well. NZCB will pay for this

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Not surprising. A single action by New Zealand single-handedly unravelled everything PCB worked for, for the last 10 years.

If PCB has any self-respect they will cancel any and all future tours to New Zealand.

 

[ManFan]

Just remember that every time the PCB bent backwards to help in return for help, they never got it.

They’ve been screwed over by four boards and it will continue.

 

[Slim]

This is really really painful but we shall endure.

 

[PakEngFan]

As expected.

 

[The_KING]

No blame whatsoever should be given to ECB. This is all because of the cowardly New Zealand. They screwed us over big time. They can go to hell.

 

[Waq]

There goes the Australian tour as well. NZCB will pay for this

I’m also gutted but blaming NZCB will do us no favours. They have to listen to their security advisors and government and we need to move on from the unilateral decision narrative.

Whether it’s a hoax or not, the world and its diplomats views human life more important then a cricket series.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

No blame whatsoever should be given to ECB. This is all because of the cowardly New Zealand. They screwed us over big time. They can go to hell.

Its coordinated. I think its time PCB screw over everyone by walking out of the India match in the T20 world cup before the toss.

Handing out free money in PSL, being grouped with India in every tourney like a dancing monkey. Enough.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Had NZC not pulled this stunt, Pakistan would have hosted them and a full-strength England squad successfully. But NZ's actions probably spooked England players; most of whom were likely never going to come here even if ECB gave them the go-ahead.

 

[Waq]

If I was a Pakistan international cricket and playing on a tour in Sri Lanka, what do I do if I’ve been warned by security services that I’m under threat of an immediate bombing attack?

Do I sit and have a discussion / meeting with rival sporting board or listen to my government and get home imminently?!

We need to stop blaming NZCB and focus efforts on public enquiry regarding the intelligence report that created this mess

 

[Waq]

Its coordinated. I think its time PCB screw over everyone by walking out of the India match in the T20 world cup before the toss.

Handing out free money in PSL, being grouped with India in every tourney like a dancing monkey. Enough.

Yep that will work and gain international sympathy and support

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I blame the New Zealand government and I blame New Zealand Cricket. They can go to hell for all I care. They are 100% to blame for this. And I just hope Pakistan behaves as vindictively as it possibly can when the time comes to tour New Zealand.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

This was expected unfortunately.

 

[Waq]

Had NZC not pulled this stunt, Pakistan would have hosted them and a full-strength England squad successfully. But NZ's actions probably spooked England players; most of whom were likely never going to come here even if ECB gave them the go-ahead.

Are you saying that a professional sportsman made up the alleged bombing attack? I highly doubt this and it may well be a hoax but the safety matter / header is more important then cricket. We need to stop blaming cricket for this mess

 

[Cric_lover4487]

I think Pakistan fans are overreacting. ECB have mentioned they are committed to tour Pakistan in 2022. Once England tours next year it will open door for Aus/Nz too. Bang/Afg/ZIm/SL /WI/Ireland etc are already ready to tour Pakistan whenever PCB wishes to host them. Once things ease out we might see India tour Pakistan too. Have faith.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Disappointing but understandable.

PCB must pursue compensation from NZC for their decision. Could PCB get Sri Lanka on board?

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

I blame the New Zealand government and I blame New Zealand Cricket. They can go to hell for all I care. They are 100% to blame for this. And I just hope Pakistan behaves as vindictively as it possibly can when the time comes to tour New Zealand.

If they had an iota of self respect there will be a comeback.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Disappointing but understandable.

PCB must pursue compensation from NZC for their decision. Could PCB get Sri Lanka on board?

No do not take money from NZC, this will validate this treatment. Do not take money like a beggar.

 

[UzmanBeast]

I blame the New Zealand government and I blame New Zealand Cricket. They can go to hell for all I care. They are 100% to blame for this. And I just hope Pakistan behaves as vindictively as it possibly can when the time comes to tour New Zealand.

PCB will need to get Sri Lanka and other countries on board for tours.

It is the need of the hour.

We must take legal action against New Zealand, no point in having cordial relations with a board that doesn't value the lives of Pakistanis and treats us like garbage.

 

[UzmanBeast]

No do not take money from NZC, this will validate this treatment. Do not take money like a beggar.

Are you alright?

We should just incur the $1.5 million loss? No, they need to pay us. A shallow-minded approach is not needed at this stage.

 

[Waq]

No do not take money from NZC, this will validate this treatment. Do not take money like a beggar.

If as mere travellers we cannot claim travel insurance for terrorism then you can’t blame a team for leaving for the threat of being blown up - even if some think it’s a hoax. Seems like a legit reason to cancel a tour. Whether we believe it or not then let’s ask for a public enquiry

 

[Slim]

No do not take money from NZC, this will validate this treatment. Do not take money like a beggar.

Altho im not in favour of this money thing, it seldom works but was BCCI a beggar for taking money from WI?

 

[TheSultan]

Once NZ cancelled and England said they’d make a decision in 48 hours this was always on the cards. There’s no way that 48 Hour decision could have been in the affirmative.

 

[Waq]

Let’s not also play the game of producing written reports about how Pakistan is safe. The ECB will just get a private contractor to produce a contradictory report and that will gain more favour in the media - it’s how the world works

 

[Double Trouble]

What a kick in the teeth from the ECB

After Pak toured the UK last year with Covid cases at the highest around the world the ECB pull out of a 2 match tour.

We’re do PCB go from here is the question.

 

[The_KING]

Its coordinated. I think its time PCB screw over everyone by walking out of the India match in the T20 world cup before the toss.

Handing out free money in PSL, being grouped with India in every tourney like a dancing monkey. Enough.

PCB should withdraw not just from the India match, but the entire T20 World Cup. But sadly they probably don’t have the guts to do that.

 

[Kroll]

No surprises. Damage had already been done.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Well it wasnt going to happen anyways.

Not after NZ ran off before the toss.

Next stop T20 World Cup

 

[Savak]

Hope the PCB Bills NZCB the losses expected from the NZ, England and Australian tour.

My bigger question is that does this put the PSL at risk?

 

[Dr_Bassim]

PCB should withdraw not just from the India match, but the entire T20 World Cup. But sadly they probably don’t have the guts to do that.

Yes I suppose you will pay PCB the losses they will face for withdrawing.

 

[Waq]

PCB should withdraw not just from the India match, but the entire T20 World Cup. But sadly they probably don’t have the guts to do that.

That would kill Pakistan cricket more than what’s happened today!

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Are you saying that a professional sportsman made up the alleged bombing attack? I highly doubt this and it may well be a hoax but the safety matter / header is more important then cricket. We need to stop blaming cricket for this mess

If someone threatened to kill you while you were at friend's house, would you simply run away, or would you alert the authorities that there is infact a killer on the loose who could kill others too?

 

[TabishNator]

PCB should withdraw not just from the India match, but the entire T20 World Cup. But sadly they probably don’t have the guts to do that.

What would that achieve other than isolating Pakistan cricket even further?

 

[wasimjunior]

PCB should withdraw not just from the India match, but the entire T20 World Cup. But sadly they probably don’t have the guts to do that.

I agree..enough is enough

 

[Waq]

If someone threatened to kill you while you were at friend's house, would you simply run away, or would you alert the authorities that there is infact a killer on the loose who could kill others too?

Contracted sportsmen have no say on the decision making and whilst representing your country, you take orders from your government.

An individual in a private capacity is not a great example.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Altho im not in favour of this money thing, it seldom works but was BCCI a beggar for taking money from WI?

BCCI took no money from WI. WI toured India in return.

 

[The_KING]

Yes I suppose you will pay PCB the losses they will face for withdrawing.

Shameless New Zealand board should pay for all the losses we have incurred.

 

[sam_ahm]

Pakistan, for the time being, should consider playing in the UAE against ENG, Aus, and NZL. I'll be bashed up for this but I don't think compromising on game time is sensible. Also all cancellations is anyhow a loss for the PCB. So it doesn't make sense.

All other nations, except these 3 and India will tour Pakistan and eventually, may be in an year or so Pak can convince these 3 countries also to tour. It has to be a slow process.

I mean if it is one country I can understand, but you cannot stay away from playing 4 top most nations in cricket for a long time. That won't do Pakistan any good.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

PCB will need to get Sri Lanka and other countries on board for tours.

It is the need of the hour.

We must take legal action against New Zealand, no point in having cordial relations with a board that doesn't value the lives of Pakistanis and treats us like garbage.

I don't see anything happening for now because Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are both scheduled to be in Oman not long after. But they might have to do that after the World Cup.

 

[The_KING]

That would kill Pakistan cricket more than what’s happened today!

Pakistan cricket is already dead. I guess that is what ICC wanted.

 

[street cricketer]

Not surprising. A single action by New Zealand single-handedly unravelled everything PCB worked for, for the last 10 years.

If PCB has any self-respect they will cancel any and all future tours to New Zealand.

Had NZC not pulled this stunt, Pakistan would have hosted them and a full-strength England squad successfully. But NZ's actions probably spooked England players; most of whom were likely never going to come here even if ECB gave them the go-ahead.

I blame the New Zealand government and I blame New Zealand Cricket. They can go to hell for all I care. They are 100% to blame for this. And I just hope Pakistan behaves as vindictively as it possibly can when the time comes to tour New Zealand.

I wouldn't blame NZ specifically. Hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but this increasingly looks like a de facto embargo on cricket in Pakistan by the west. I was waiting till the ECB decision to conclude if this was just some exaggerated paranoia of NZ or a coordinated sporting embargo, and it is increasingly looking like the latter. Forget about Australia, they were never going to come even without the Taliban in power, and I would probably bet on even India touring Pakistan before Australia does.

*Tinfoil hat off*

 

[Waq]

Pakistan, for the time being, should consider playing in the UAE against ENG, Aus, and NZL. I'll be bashed up for this but I don't think compromising on game time is sensible. Also all cancellations is anyhow a loss for the PCB. So it doesn't make sense.

All other nations, except these 3 and India will tour Pakistan and eventually, may be in an year or so Pak can convince these 3 countries also to tour. It has to be a slow process.

I mean if it is one country I can understand, but you cannot stay away from playing 4 top most nations in cricket for a long time. That won't do Pakistan any good.

Very measured and sensible view point.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

So as expected Eng, NZ and Aus will not tour Pakistan in near future. But Pakistan should not be bogged down by this.

Start inviting teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies, Afghanistan and Zim.
Even if these teams send their 2nd string team, Pakistan should leave no stone unturned in having 7-8 successful tours.

Also hold the complete PSL in Pakistan as it used to happen, even if the main PSL stars don't travel.

Damage has been done, there is no point of whining now. Let's take the measure to rebuild that was blown by NZ government.

This shall pass too, we will see rise of cricket in Pakistan again.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Contracted sportsmen have no say on the decision making and whilst representing your country, you take orders from your government.

An individual in a private capacity is not a great example.

I asked you a simple question that happens to be analogous to the situation, that you dodged.

And in case you missed it, I said I blame the New Zealand government and NZC.

 

[Waq]

Pakistan cricket is already dead. I guess that is what ICC wanted.

So therefore leaders have a responsibility to damage control and salvage what they can. Leaders don’t give up!

 

[Titan24]

As mentioned previously, as a fan I am completely okay with restricting ourselves to cricket with countries who can reciprocate the same courtesy. Otherwise its a pointless loop of developing your players and teams so that other boards can earn money and those tours benefit Pakistan cricket financially in very negligible way (If any through broadcasting).

To improve players and talent focus should be on improving local cricket as the little Pak plays against the top 4 it wasnt gonna help much either ways.

Any Sport is only possible in the long run based upon commercial success and revenue generation. Pak's relationship with the 3-4 boards is a loss making proposition any way one look at it and thus with the current dynamics I dont think PCB should be pursuing that.

 

[Concerned]

“A wake up call for Pak team to become the best team in the world for teams to line up to play them without making excuses”

Ramiz Raja

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

I wouldn't blame NZ specifically. Hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but this increasingly looks like a de facto embargo on cricket in Pakistan by the west. I was waiting till the ECB decision to conclude if this was just some exaggerated paranoia of NZ or a coordinated sporting embargo, and it is increasingly looking like the latter. Forget about Australia, they were never going to come even without the Taliban in power, and I would probably bet on even India touring Pakistan before Australia does.

*Tinfoil hat off*

I wish India tours Pakistan even before these white supremacists. They have taken enough advantage of rift between India and Pakistan. I wish better sense prevails from both sides and live like a good neighbors.

 

[hb787]

This is really selfish from ECB
we helped them when they needed us most in PEAK COVID, and now they are not even returning that favor.

Our cricket has been sent 10 years backward by "nice guys" of cricket

 

[Savak]

This is a response to the Pakistani govt and nation for the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Our strategic location has been a huge panoti

 

[Waq]

I asked you a simple question that happens to be analogous to the situation, that you dodged.

And in case you missed it, I said I blame the New Zealand government and NZC.

I’m happy to post my opinion if that’s what you want.

Neither me or you know the provenance (source) of who alerted NZ of an attack. Until I know then I cannot comment on why NZCB did not consult bilaterally with PCB. For example, a possible scenario is a Pakistani informant or the attacker or a co conspirator being part of isi / PCB etc. Maybe NZCB were simply incompetent and in hindsight should have consulted with PCB but we will never know unless the alert becomes public

 

[The_KING]

Pakistan, for the time being, should consider playing in the UAE against ENG, Aus, and NZL. I'll be bashed up for this but I don't think compromising on game time is sensible. Also all cancellations is anyhow a loss for the PCB. So it doesn't make sense.

All other nations, except these 3 and India will tour Pakistan and eventually, may be in an year or so Pak can convince these 3 countries also to tour. It has to be a slow process.

I mean if it is one country I can understand, but you cannot stay away from playing 4 top most nations in cricket for a long time. That won't do Pakistan any good.

If we are to play in the UAE, visiting teams should pay fees for hosting matches in the UAE. If they are too cowardly to visit Pakistan, the least they can do is to pay the expenses for playing in the UAE.

 

[Bewal Express]

PK should plan to go to these countries and then pull out on security grounds every time. What's sauce for.......

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I wouldn't blame NZ specifically. Hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but this increasingly looks like a de facto embargo on cricket in Pakistan by the west. I was waiting till the ECB decision to conclude if this was just some exaggerated paranoia of NZ or a coordinated sporting embargo, and it is increasingly looking like the latter. Forget about Australia, they were never going to come even without the Taliban in power, and I would probably bet on even India touring Pakistan before Australia does.

*Tinfoil hat off*

That part was never in doubt to me. Which is why I made that post where people were calling me a conspiracy theorist as well.

That said, at the end of the day it was New Zealand that made the decision. They are an independent sovereign state that is responsible for its own decisions. So either they are stupid enough to believe a politically-motivated lie, or they are in on it. Either way, they just as much to blame in my opinion.

 

[street cricketer]

I wish India tours Pakistan even before these white supremacists. They have taken enough advantage of rift between India and Pakistan. I wish better sense prevails from both sides and live like a good neighbors.

India was actually one of the last teams to tour Pakistan before the Sri Lankan attack.

Aus last toured Pak in 1999, England in 2005 I think. India toured Pak twice in a span of 4 years after the millennium and think they were slated to visit once again before they withdrew due to threat I think.

 

[Waq]

If we are to play in the UAE, visiting teams should pay fees for hosting matches in the UAE. If they are too cowardly to visit Pakistan, the least they can do is to pay the expenses for playing in the UAE.

And what if other nations say no and say it’s a ‘you’ problem. Then what?

 

[The_KING]

And what if other nations say no and say it’s a ‘you’ problem. Then what?

Then we don’t play them, home or away.

 

[Mirpur express]

It’s painful.. really sad day for Pakistan cricket, we just need to get along as we have been doing over the last decade, no choice.. no point blaming anyone but instead Raja & Co should use this to fire the team up for the T20 WC

 

[Major]

I wonder who will the pakistanis now support when it comes to the 2019 world cup winner

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I’m happy to post my opinion if that’s what you want.

Neither me or you know the provenance (source) of who alerted NZ of an attack. Until I know then I cannot comment on why NZCB did not consult bilaterally with PCB. For example, a possible scenario is a Pakistani informant or the attacker or a co conspirator being part of isi / PCB etc. Maybe NZCB were simply incompetent and in hindsight should have consulted with PCB but we will never know unless the alert becomes public

Seems like you did not read David White's comments. He said we will not reveal the nature of the threat/alert publicly or privately. Which is the reason why everyone is as angry as they are.

Even if one were to accept your argument, that still does not excuse New Zealand from sharing the nature of the threat after they left the country. The fact that they didn't shows a callous disregard from them for the people of Pakistan. Either that, or they were lying. You decide.

 

[JaDed]

Seems like the actual culprits which are almost certainly now the British and ECB are getting away with posters still blaming NZ.

My assumption is because many posters are British here.

 

[UzmanBeast]

I don't see anything happening for now because Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are both scheduled to be in Oman not long after. But they might have to do that after the World Cup.

Yes. It will happen after the WC but it is needed. The WC looks minuscule compared to the prospect of playing at home.

 

[ScotRaz]

"We know there are increasing concerns about travelling to the region"
Does this mean the whole sub continent? Is this not the same region?

But fully expected.

 

[Local.Dada]

So England decision is because of Nzl?

Is Nzl Cricket that influential or does the ECB and British govt don’t have their own brain?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Seems like the actual culprits which are almost certainly now the British and ECB are getting away with posters still blaming NZ.

My assumption is because many posters are British here.

They are all in the same camp. And they all serve one master: the US.

But fact remains it was New Zealand that pulled the stunt that they did and opened the floodgates for what has followed. If the roles were reversed, I can imagine people being just as angry at ECB and England.

 

[Waq]

Seems like you did not read David White's comments. He said we will not reveal the nature of the threat/alert publicly or privately. Which is the reason why everyone is as angry as they are.

Even if one were to accept your argument, that still does not excuse New Zealand from sharing the nature of the threat after they left the country. The fact that they didn't shows a callous disregard from them for the people of Pakistan. Either that, or they were lying. You decide.

I’m sorry but you don’t understand information sharing when it comes to national security. Maybe he refused as he’s not allowed?

Some ECB senior staff May for example have access to sensitive information and they would have been vetted before hand and signed some secrets document and can get arrested if broken. Also no cricketer or cricket board person leads on such statements without consent from their government.

I accept that this maybe a wider conspiracy but this is not a NZCB fault as they are following orders

 

[moghul]

NZL, Australia and England are practically the same country , one follows another . They are generally very insensitive and don't care much about Pakistan cricket. Found a good excuse to give their players a well needed rest before the ashes.

 

[Ami]

As mentioned previously, as a fan I am completely okay with restricting ourselves to cricket with countries who can reciprocate the same courtesy. Otherwise its a pointless loop of developing your players and teams so that other boards can earn money and those tours benefit Pakistan cricket financially in very negligible way (If any through broadcasting).

To improve players and talent focus should be on improving local cricket as the little Pak plays against the top 4 it wasnt gonna help much either ways.

Any Sport is only possible in the long run based upon commercial success and revenue generation. Pak's relationship with the 3-4 boards is a loss making proposition any way one look at it and thus with the current dynamics I dont think PCB should be pursuing that.

Spot on.

Ignore the top 3 or 4.

Concenteate on long time friends like S Lanka W indies etc...and play at home.

And, please please dont go back to UAE..it will kill our fast bowling talent.

 

[iRfaN_LA]

Game is much bigger than cricket. Blaming NZCB is not the solution. I believe IK has already ordered intelligence to submit report on what actually happened.

 

[JaDed]

They are all in the same camp. And they all serve one master: the US.

But fact remains it was New Zealand that pulled the stunt that they did and opened the floodgates for what has followed. If the roles were reversed, I can imagine people being just as angry at ECB and England.

Everyone had a meltdown when Nz did it.. with England it is “ expected” , also MI6 has a mind of its own.
Not everything is US’s fault(this could be but not everything).

 

[dildilpak]

Then we don’t play them, home or away.

And who loses the most in that scenario? Will it really matter to England or NZ if they dont play against Pakistan? Its the Pakistani players & team whose development will suffer if they dont play against the Big 4.

Ramiz Raza is right. Instead of boycotting the Big 4, lets take every opportunity we get to beat the Big 4 soundly. Thats when they will be forced to play us on our terms.

 

[Waq]

Game is much bigger than cricket. Blaming NZCB is not the solution. I believe IK has already ordered intelligence to submit report on what actually happened.

Finally something productive

 

[Nikhil_cric]

If this is indeed a sports embargo by the West , then I'm not sure how anyone can blame NZ. They are the least significant member in 'Five Eyes'. Also ECB is a much powerful board than NZC and should be held accountable for this decision than blaming it all on NZ.

 

[m.shah]

This hurts

 

[Local.Dada]

They are all in the same camp. And they all serve one master: the US.

But fact remains it was New Zealand that pulled the stunt that they did and opened the floodgates for what has followed. If the roles were reversed, I can imagine people being just as angry at ECB and England.

Ok let’s put this into perspective

Pakistan has issues with India, USA,France,Israel and now GB and Nzl and by that account probably Australia too. The Arabs are close with Modi and gave him their highest honor.

That’s pretty much whos who of the geo politics scene

Sure Pakistan has their friendly countries too but instead of being victim why isn’t there any self introspection?

Also it is easy to sit behind a keyboard and call someone wimps for backing out from a bomb threat, how many of us would go to work even if there was a hoax with even maybe 0.1% chance of it being real?

 

[Waq]

If this is indeed a sports embargo by the West , then I'm not sure how anyone can blame NZ. They are the least significant member in 'Five Eyes'. Also ECB is a much powerful board than NZC and should be held accountable for this decision than blaming it all on NZ.

Embargo is a good description and is what my instincts feel.

 

[sharmaji]

Shucks! I was expecting, rather hoping that Eng would tour Pak.

I guess 2021 is going to be tough for Pak to host any teams on its soil. Maybe in 2022, SA, WI, BD, SL can tour and then maybe Eng can also tour.