In a massive setback to Pakistan’s plans of resurfacing on the global front as a cricketing destination, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) was sternly denied permission to its contracted players of participating in the World XI series.
To revive international cricket in Pakistan, the PCB had put forth a suggestion, of hosting a couple of T20I games between Pakistan and a World XI side. The ICC seconded that by mentioning the games would be officially recognized and given a T20I status.
Recently, newly appointed PCB chief Najam Sethi spoke about the same and hinted about paying extravagantly to the international cricketers who would tour Pakistan for the highly anticipated series. If sources are to be believed, the PCB was willing to pay players up to $100,000 USD to feature in the series in Pakistan.
However, after conducting its own research and findings, NZC is far from being satisfied with the security crisis in Pakistan and has clearly prohibited its players from taking part in the series. Since 2009, Zimbabwe remains the only international team to tour Pakistan, when the side went there for a short limited overs tour in 2015.
“For the contracted players it’s highly likely they will be unavailable for Pakistan due to other international commitments, that I can’t say any more about at this stage,” NZC executive David White said.
“For the non-contracted players there’s ongoing security advice from the ICC, and I know the Players’ Association has sought independent security advice as well. They’ll be guided by that advice and make a decision and they would have to assume the risk of going to Pakistan.”
White also spoke about former New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi being among those, approached for the series.
“I know that they plan to speak to some New Zealand players and Ronchi was one of them. We’ve advised them all that Fica are currently working through getting a risk assessment completed and we’ll be sending it out to the guys so they can make up their minds if they decide they want to go, as to whether the risk is worth it.”