We missed out on ‘historic second’ by abandoning Pakistan tour however security paramount: Tom Latham

New Zealand batsman Tom Latham on Tuesday admitted that his crew missed out on a “historic moment” by cancelling the Pakistan tour however asserted that the choice was primarily based on gamers’ security.

Just hours earlier than the beginning of the primary ODI at Rawalpindi on Friday, New Zealand known as off the Pakistan tour, citing safety considerations.

Latham was named skipper for the Pakistan collection, the place they had been scheduled to play three ODIs and 5 T20Is.

“… it was a historic moment for New Zealand Cricket to be back there 18 years since they were last there. To be part of that was going to be something special, but obviously things changed,” Latham instructed New Zealand’s in-house media channel in response to ESPNcricinfo.

“NZC acted swiftly along with the people on the ground in Pakistan. While we were there after the decision, the Pakistan authorities were brilliant. They kept us safe at the hotel and we certainly need to thank them.”

Latham, who’s at the moment in Dubai, detailed the build-up to the fateful resolution to name off the tour.

“It was like a traditional sport day. We had been leaving at 12:30, after which I obtained a message on my WhatsApp group that we had been having a crew assembly at 12 o clock. Everyone was form of questioning what was up after which we obtained instructed the information that we had been heading residence.

“It was an interesting 24 hours post that decision but obviously NZC and the Players Association, everyone on the ground in Pakistan and NZ Cricket obviously had players’ safety first and foremost. For them to get us to Dubai in 24 hours was outstanding so the guys were very thankful for that.”

NZC CEO David White had mentioned there was a “specific and credible” menace directed on the touring facet, one that might not be shared with the PCB or the Pakistan authorities, some extent that significantly riled PCB chairman Ramiz Raja and CEO Wasim Khan.

“It’s naturally very disappointing for them (Pakistan and their fans). It was something they were very proud of. I remember doing the captain’s round with Babar (Azam) the day before and just seeing how happy he was to have international cricket and have us there. He was very excited,” mentioned Latham.