The England Cricket Board has decided to cancel the men's and women's tour of Pakistan in October.
The English team was to come to Pakistan to play two T20 matches before the World T20 matches next month, while the English women's team was also scheduled to visit Pakistan in the same month.
It may be recalled that the England men's team was to visit Pakistan for the first time since 2005 while their women's team has never come to play in Pakistan before.
"We understand that this decision will be very disappointing for the PCB, which has worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket to their country," the English board said in a statement. Over the past two summers, his support for English and Welsh cricket has been palpable. We sincerely apologize for the impact of this decision on Pakistani cricket and look forward to our crucial tours in 2022. "
It may be recalled that Pakistan had visited England during the epidemic in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, Pakistan in particular had agreed to strict terms of the bio-secure bubble for matches.
Rameez Raja: 'We needed England at that time'
Reacting to the English board's decision, Pakistan Cricket Board's newly elected chairman Rameez Raja told the BBC World Service: "I am very disappointed and so are the fans. At that time we needed England.
"When Pakistan needed the Western bloc, they did not help us."
"Security can be a problem anywhere in the world," he added. The way the Western bloc has handled the issue, it makes us feel unimportant. "
Rameez Raja, who has played 57 Tests for Pakistan, added: "They may say mental fatigue, but it is not enough."
Earlier, Rameez Raja had said in a tweet that he was disappointed with England for giving up his promise and leaving a member of his cricket community at a time when he needed it most. We will spend this time, God willing. This is a wake-up call for the Pakistan team to become the best team in the world so that the teams line up to play with it, without any excuse.
"The mental and physical well-being of our players and staff is our top priority and it is even more important in the time we are living in today," the English board said, citing reasons for canceling the tour. We know there are concerns about travel in the region and we believe that moving forward in such a situation will increase the pressure on players who are already dealing with it after living in a limited cod environment for a long time. ۔
"It's an added complication for our T20 men's squad. We believe that touring in such a situation would not be an ideal preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where performing well is our top priority for 2021.
Earlier last week, the first one-day international between Pakistan and New Zealand in Rawalpindi on September 17 was canceled just hours before the start and the New Zealand team lost due to security concerns. He also refused to continue his visit to Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Friday that the ODI and T20 series between the two countries had been postponed and that the New Zealand team had "unilaterally" decided not to play the series. What is the decision?
On Sunday, New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said the New Zealand cricket team had been informed of a "specific and certified" threat from the government on Friday, which was confirmed by New Zealand Cricket. In addition to security consultants, it was also done independently.
"The PCB was informed of the basic nature of the threat, but no specific details could be disclosed," White said. Neither in private nor in public.
It is significant here that the New Zealand cricket team has to visit Pakistan again next year in which it has to play three ODIs and two Tests. These ODIs will be part of the ICC Super League. The Pakistan Cricket Board will try to make the matches affected by the cancellation of the current tour possible by adjusting the New Zealand team's tour of Pakistan next year.
