Sheikh Rasheed terms cancellation of NZ cricket team's tour as conspiracy

RAWALPINDI: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Friday termed abrupt cancellation of Pakistan tour by New Zealand cricket team as a conspiracy saying that security institutes did not receive any threat in this regard, ARY NEWS reported.

“New Zealand’s prime minister spoke to our prime minister conveying that the team could be attacked after stepping out of their hotel,” he said adding that Imran Khan assured complete security to the team.

“We also offered New Zealand to play matches without public attendance after the recent development, however, they did not agree to it,” he said while terming the cancellation of the tour as a conspiracy but stop short of taking the name of those behind it.

The interior minister shared that 4000 cops were deployed for the security of the New Zealand team along with other security agencies.

He said that the same forces who wanted to hurt Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region are behind the cancellation of the New Zealand cricket team’s tour.

“This is an effort to tarnish our image and the New Zealand authorities unilaterally decided to cancel the tour,” he said.

Read More: PM JACINDA ARDERN GRATEFUL FOR HOW NZ PLAYERS ARE HOSTED IN PAKISTAN

The interior minister lamented that Indian media was peddling propaganda against Pakistan, however, they would not bow to such efforts and would lead the country towards prosperity under the leadership of Imran Khan.

He further shared that they have learned that the England cricket team is also mulling over canceling the Pakistan tour and the next 48 hours are important in this regard.

“On our part, we have made all arrangements for the England cricket team’s tour,” Sheikh Rasheed said.