The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated on Monday that its men’s and women’s tours of Pakistan will not go ahead as scheduled, after New Zealand’s decision to cancel their tour just ahead of the first ODI.
Ramiz Raja, head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has stated that England and New Zealand’s choice not to play series in Pakistan is a lesson for them, and that they would now focus on their own interests.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated on Monday that its men’s and women’s tours of Pakistan will not go ahead as scheduled, after New Zealand’s decision to cancel their tour just ahead of the first ODI.
“I am upset by England’s resignation, but it had to be expected because the Western bloc, sadly, becomes unified and strives to support one another. As a result, you can make any decision based on the security threat and perception. There was a sense of rage because New Zealand first got away without providing information about the threat they were facing, and then they got away without sharing information about the threat they were facing “Raja was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as stating.
“This England was expected, but it serves as a lesson for us because we go out of our way to accommodate and pamper these visitors. And when we get there, we are subjected to stringent quarantines and must endure their reprimands, but there is a lesson here. That is, we will only go as far as it is in our best interests from now on “Added he.
Raja went on to say of cricket in Pakistan: “Our desire is for cricket to continue in our country, and if the cricket community does not look out for one another, then it is pointless. New Zealand came first, followed by England, and now we have a West Indies series that may be a hit, as well as Australia, which is already contemplating its decision. This is all one block: England, Australia, and New Zealand. To whom can we make a complaint? We assumed they were ours, but they have refused to acknowledge us as theirs.”
“To keep these countries interested in playing us, we need to enhance and increase our cricket economy. It is also in our best interests for our players to be paid more and for us to be regarded more. They come to the PSL with no fear of being spooked or tired, but they all have a different attitude regarding Pakistan as a group “Added he.
Raja stated that his team’s frustrations must now be channelled towards a successful performance in the next T20 World Cup.
“We are now in the World Cup, and when we had only one team in mind – our neighbours India – they have suddenly added two more – New Zealand and England. So gather your strength and cultivate the mindset that we will not lose because you did not treat us fairly, and we will avenge ourselves in the ground “Raja stated.