The Blackcaps have abandoned their controversial tour of Pakistan on the day of their first match, after the NZ Government issued a security alert.
The NZ cricket team were about to play the first of three one-day internationals against Pakistan at Rawalpindi on Friday evening (NZ time), before a five-match T20 series at Lahore.
But they were notified of an escalation in the NZ Government's threat levels for Pakistan and the tour was promptly called off without a ball bowled.
NZ Cricket (NZC) will not comment on the details of the security threat nor the updated departure arrangements for the squad, but confirms arrangements are now being made.
When contacted by Newshub, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) outlined that it is in continuing dialogue with NZ Cricket as to how to bring the team home.
"MFAT has provided ongoing and consistent advice that Pakistan remains a high threat security environment, as outlined in the New Zealand Government travel advisory for Pakistan which reflects current risks and security issues."
"Travel advisories are updated regularly, including when major sporting events are taking place involving New Zealand teams.
"We will not comment on security matters with regard to New Zealand Cricket's decision not to proceed with the tour. New Zealand Cricket makes its own security decisions and has its own security arrangements in place for all international tours."
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sport Grant Robertson meanwhile says that he has no issue with the decision made to cancel the tour.
"We support NZ Cricket's decision," says Robertson. "This will be disappointing for all concerned, but player safety is paramount."
NZC chief executive David White says it's simply not possible to continue with the tour based on the advice he's received.
"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," he explains.
NZC Players Association chief executive Heath Mills agrees.
"We've been across this process throughout and are fully supportive of the decision," he says. "The players are in good hands - they're safe and everyone's acting in their best interests."
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) says its government has made "foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams".
"The Pakistan Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, and informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team," it says.
"The security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Pakistan Government throughout their stay here.
"PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal."
The Blackcaps have not toured Pakistan since 2003, after a bomb blast outside their Karachi hotel the previous year first sparked security concerns.
In 2009, the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by gunmen near Gaddafi Stadium, Lochore, forcing a stop to cricketing tours of Pakistan for the next decade. Sri Lanka returned there in 2019 to break that drought.
In the build-up to this tour, the NZ Government and NZ Cricket have carefully monitored the escalating unrest in neighbouring Afghanistan for any threat to the Blackcaps' safety.
