In a shocking news to all cricket lovers, the New Zealand cricket team are abandoning their tour of Pakistan following a New Zealand government security alert. Kiwis were to play Pakistan this evening in the first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi.

However, following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the Black Caps will not continue with the tour. Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure.

NZC chief executive David White said it was simply not possible to continue with the tour given the advice he was receiving. “I understand this will be a blow for the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option,” White said in a statement.

NZC will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the updated arrangements for the departing squad. The series was to comprise three ODIs and five T20 Internationals.