Picture Credit: Twitter
All is far from being ideal in the country of Afghanistan. While the Taliban has taken political control over the nation, all activities have been disrupted. Meanwhile, the developments have also put serious question marks over New Zealand’s scheduled tour of Pakistan. As of now, New Zealand are scheduled to take on Pakistan in a limited-overs series in September and October. The series has as many as 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is and is slated to begin on 17 September 2021.
Acknowledging that the events in Afghanistan have been saddening, the chief executive of the New Zealand Players Association Heath Mills said that moving forward the Kiwi Players would be warier of security issues. Mills said that the players need to be assured of the entire process and need to arrive at a conclusion.
The team could exit Pakistan if players are uncomfortable: Mills
"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.
"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," he added.
Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that Blackcaps' captain Kane Williamson, fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, and Kyle Jamieson will not be touring Pakistan as they will be heading to the United Arab Emirates to play for their respective teams in the second half of IPL 2021. Post that, there is the T20 World Cup also slated to happen in the Middle East. Considering the world event in similar conditions, the boards are identifying as a better preparation ground for the World Cup to follow.