New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan in jeopardy after Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan

The country of Afghanistan is in the limelight after the Taliban has taken over the country. And, the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan might put New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan in jeopardy.

The Kiwis are scheduled to take on Pakistan in a limited-overs series in the months of September and October this year. The series consists of 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is and is scheduled to get underway on 17th September 2021.

The Chief Executive of the New Zealand Players Association, Heath Mills stated that it is saddening to know about the events that have transpired in Afghanistan. Adding that the Kiwi players have raised questions regarding security, Mills added that the players need to be assured of the process, and a conclusion needs to be reached.

“We’re very comfortable with the process we’ve got, but notwithstanding that, with events in Afghanistan in the last few days, it’s very sad what’s happening in that country and people are obviously asking questions of our security check processes. That includes players, which is completely understandable. We just need to assure them of the process, and follow it, and reach a determination,” said Heath Mills as quoted by Stuff.co.nz.

Heath Mills indicates that there is a chance that the Pakistan tour might not go ahead

Heath Mills further added that Reg Dickason, a security consultant will travel to Pakistan and report back within five days about the situation. Stating that Dickason would recommend whether New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan should go ahead or not, Mills concluded by stating that if Dickason is uncomfortable regarding the security arrangements in place, then New Zealand will not play against Pakistan.

“That will take him four or five days and then he’ll report back, and recommend whether the tour goes ahead, or it doesn’t for whatever reason… if there are changes to whatever the plan might be. And at any point if he’s uncomfortable he would communicate that and the team would exit Pakistan,” concluded Mills.

Meanwhile, regular New Zealand cricketers, including skipper Kane Williamson, and fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, and Kyle Jamieson will not be touring Pakistan as they will be rendering their services to their respective sides in the remaining matches of the 14th edition of the IPL that will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).