Black Caps arrive in Dubai after abandoning Pakistan tour

Gulf Today Report

New Zealand, which abandoned its tour of Pakistan minutes before the first match on Friday, arrived in Dubai early on Sunday after departing from Pakistan but officials refused to give details of the security threat that forced them to abruptly cancel their tour.

The touring party arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, aboard a chartered flight on Sunday.

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"There’s a lot of pressure created on Pakistan cricket and (especially) Pakistan cricket at home,” PCB chairman Ramiz Raja told cricket fans in a video message released on Saturday.

"The fight to survive is the base on which we challenge the whole world. If such a situation is developed (again) when international cricket comes under pressure in Pakistan, we will challenge them once again.”

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam walks during a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. AFP

While some information had been shared with the Pakistan Cricket Board, "specific details could not, and will not, be disclosed – privately or publicly," New Zealand cricket chief executive David White said.

"The contingent of 34 players and support staff are now settling into their Dubai hotel and undergoing their 24-hour period of self-isolation."

White said he appreciated what a "terribly difficult time" it was for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he added New Zealand had no choice but to abandon their visit.

"What I can say is that we were advised this was a specific and credible threat against the team," White said.

"We had several conversations with New Zealand government officials before making the decision and it was after informing the PCB of our position that we understand a telephone discussion was conducted between the respective Prime Ministers.

Pakistan paramilitary troops stand guard outside the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. AP

"Unfortunately, given the advice we'd received, there was no way we could stay in the country."

White said New Zealand remained comfortable with its initial decision to tour Pakistan, based on comprehensive assessments of the security situation, and the risk-mitigation measures promised.

"Everything changed on Friday," he said.

"The advice changed, the threat level changed and, as a consequence, we took the only responsible course of action possible."

The New Zealand players and staff were taken in bullet-proof buses from their Islamabad hotel to the airport where they boarded the chartered flight to Dubai.

Players not involved in next month's Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates will return to New Zealand as soon as flights and quarantine facilities can be arranged.