Cricket

New Zealand's Abrupt Withdrawal from Pakistan Series: A Blow to International CricketNew Zealand's sudden withdrawal from their limited-overs series in Pakistan in September 2021 sent shockwaves through the cricketing community. The decision, made just minutes before the start of the first ODI in Rawalpindi, was prompted by a security threat.The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) stated that concerns for their players' safety prompted the withdrawal. The highly anticipated tour, which would have been New Zealand's first visit to Pakistan in 18 years, included three ODIs and five T20Is.Just before the first match, NZC received information about a credible security threat. After consulting with security officials and the New Zealand government, the board decided to cancel the entire series and quickly arranged for the team to leave Pakistan."Player safety is paramount, and following an escalation in the threat level, we felt it was the only responsible course of action," said David White, the NZC Chief Executive.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed disappointment over the abrupt pullout, especially considering the extensive security measures they had implemented for the tour. Pakistan had made significant efforts to ensure a safe environment for the series, providing high-level security comparable to that offered to visiting heads of state.However, New Zealand's concerns about the threat took precedence over these precautions. The withdrawal dealt a significant blow to Pakistan's efforts to regain the trust of international cricket boards after years of being sidelined from hosting top teams due to security concerns.The PCB had worked diligently in recent years to bring international cricket back to Pakistan, making this sudden cancellation a setback for those efforts. The incident also sparked broader discussions about the future of international cricket tours in the country.The withdrawal highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan in hosting international cricket matches. Despite the PCB's efforts to improve security, the perception of risk remains a significant obstacle. The incident also raised questions about the role of intelligence agencies in providing timely and accurate information to cricket boards.

RCB Cancels Practice Session Due to Virat Kohli's Security ConcernsAhead of their crucial IPL 2024 Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were forced to cancel their only practice session due to a security concern surrounding star batsman Virat Kohli.According to reports, the Gujarat Police alerted the IPL franchises about a potential threat to Kohli's safety. As a result, RCB decided to abandon their scheduled practice at the Gujarat College Ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The franchise also canceled a press conference on the eve of the match.The Gujarat Police reportedly arrested four individuals in Ahmedabad on suspicion of terrorist activity. The police hinted that this was the primary reason behind the cancellation of RCB's practice session and press conference."Virat Kohli learned about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority," said Vijay Singha Jwala, a police officer. "RCB did not want to take a risk. They informed us that there would be no practice session."Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, went ahead with their practice schedule despite being informed about the security threat. However, some of their players, including R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Riyan Parag, opted to stay at the hotel and skip the practice session. Skipper Sanju Samson arrived at the ground late.The police have beefed up security arrangements outside RCB's team hotel and around the stadium. IPL-accredited members were reportedly denied entry to the team hotel. A 'green corridor' was created for Rajasthan Royals to reach the training ground.Strict security measures are expected to be in place for the IPL 2024 Eliminator between RCB and RR on Wednesday. The match will be a crucial one for both teams, as the winner will advance to the Qualifier 2.