To prevent cricket being taken from us, we’ll do anything: Wasim Akram

Islamabad: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram Sunday said that Pakistan will do anything in its power to prevent cricket being taken from it again after the New Zealand team fled without giving details of security threat that forced them to abruptly cancel the tour.

On his official twitter handle, the legendary cricketer wrote, “I think the world underestimates how powerful our security forces are”.

“Cricket is more than a sport to us,” the legendary cricketer said adding that we will do everything in our power to prevent cricket being taken from us again.

“The world needs to give us a chance to prove that!” he further stated.

I think the world underestimates how powerful our security forces are. Cricket is more than a sport to us and we will do everything in our power to prevent cricket being taken from us again. The world needs to give us a chance to prove that!

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) September 19, 2021

Earlier on Friday, the Blackcaps cancelled the first One-Day International (ODI) of three-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand that was slated to begin at 2:30 pm.

Reportedly, all the cricketers were directed to remain still in their provided rooms. However, the cricket ground remained empty, with no ground support staff or broadcast crew. Spectators were also not allowed to go inside the stadium.

New Zealand were set to play three ODIs and five T20Is across Rawalpindi and Lahore as part of their tour of Pakistan.

The three-match ODI series was to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Kiwis toured Pakistan for the first time in 18 years.

It is pertinent to mention here that New Zealand last toured Pakistan in November 2003 when they played five ODIs.

Since 2003 ODI series, Pakistan have thrice hosted New Zealand for ODIs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Kiwis winning the 2019-10 and 2014-15 series.