England apologise for cancelling series against Pakistan, promises to play next year

The cancellation of New Zealand and England’s tour of Pakistan was not liked by fans and cricketers of Pakistan, who slammed the two countries for backstabbing the country. While New Zealand left Pakistan without playing any game, England never landed in the Asian country. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) cited the physical and mental well-being of players behind their call.

Seeing the backlash of fans and former England cricketers, ECB Chief Ian Watmore has tendered an apology and announced a ‘proper’ tour of Pakistan next year.

“I’m very sorry to anyone who feels hurt or let down by our decision, particularly in Pakistan. The decision the board made was an extremely difficult one and the board made it with the primary consideration being the welfare and mental health of our players and staff,” Watmore told Daily Mail.

ECB will send its men and women teams to Pakistan next year. “We’ve recommitted to a proper tour, a scheduled tour, of Pakistan next year and will get on with planning that. We will have longer to plan that trip,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chaudhry has welcomed ECB’s decision.

“Announcement of ECB to visit Pakistan next year is a welcome step, I would like to thank stars of the cricket world, the diplomatic community, Media and Cricket lovers around the world on their support for Pakistan Cricket, yet again Pak has emerged as a strong and resilient nation,” he tweeted.

Announcement of ECB to visit Pakistan next year is a welcome step,I would like to thank stars of cricket world, diplomatic community, Media And Cricket lovers around the world on their support for pakistan Cricket, yet again Pak has emerged as strong and resilient nation

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) September 29, 2021