“Would have been better if New Zealand had not come” - Salman Butt lashes out at Kiwis over decision to quit Pakistan tour

Salman Butt has hit out at New Zealand over their decision to quit the Pakistan tour, citing security concerns. According to Butt, it would have been better if the Kiwis had not come to Pakistan in the first place.

In a stunning turn of events, New Zealand cancelled their tour of Pakistan on Friday after refusing to take the field for the first ODI in Rawalpindi, claiming threat to security.

Lashing out at New Zealand, Butt described their decision to pull out as ridiculous, and added that he was running out of words to describe what had transpired. The former Pakistan captain said:

“It's ridiculous to say the least. It is global politics, New Zealand have given a stupid reason. They had come to Pakistan after a security clearance from their agency. They were here for so many days, were going to the stadium and practicing as well. This continued for quite a few days. But before the match they decided not to play because of some security threat. This act by New Zealand should be condemned in very possible way.”

He opined that New Zealand’s refusal to give any details of the apparent security threat to Pakistan raises serious suspicion over their move. An enraged Butt added:

“New Zealand have not shared any evidence, which raises suspicion over their act. There was nothing shared with the PCB, security agencies or the Pakistan government. New Zealand were provided the highest security that you can ever imagine. Also, Pakistan is far more secure than 2009. A wrong precedent has been set by the Kiwis as teams will now think they can take a unilateral decision. It would have been better if New Zealand had not come. This is not a joke.”

New Zealand’s now-abandoned tour of Pakistan was their first visit to the country since 2003. Back in 2002, they had quit the Test series in Pakistan after a suicide bomb attack outside their hotel in Karachi.

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Wish ICC can also take a stance over New Zealand’s poor decision: Salman Butt

Butt also hoped the International Cricket Council (ICC) would look into the matter. He urged the cricketing body to take a leaf out of the Federation Internationale de Football Association's (FIFA) book and prove that they can exercise their power.

Butt pointed out:

“I really wish ICC, life FIFA, can also take a stance which shows they can exercise their power. ICC seem to be nowhere. They haven't reacted even to what happened in Manchester (India pulling out of last Test), at least not in public.”

Following New Zealand’s decision to pull out, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) too are likely to take a call on their tour of Pakistan, which is scheduled for October.

An ECB spokesperson confirmed to ESPN Cricinfo on Friday that they will review the security situation and make a decision on their tour of Pakistan in the next 24-48 hours.