Can't allow terrorists to disrupt our matches: PCB on its decision to go ahead with New Zealand ODI

Shahid Afridi will lead a disturbed Pakistan unit in the fourth ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday

Explaining the rationale behind its decision to go ahead with the fourth ODI match against New Zealand on Wednesday despite the Taliban Peshawar school massacre, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that postponing the match would play into terrorists’ hands. The board also admitted that there was pressure from the broadcasters against rescheduling the game.

The PCB expressed their deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the dastardly terrorist attack and stated that the takings from the fourth ODI will be donated to the families of the martyred children and will also be spent in the rebuilding of the school.

A PCB spokesperson said, "We tried our best to postpone the fourth ODI but were constrained by the broadcaster's commitment as well as for cricketing reasons advised by New Zealand management.”

He added: "We are playing outside Pakistan only because of the threat of terrorism at home. If we allow terrorists to disrupt our matches abroad, then all will be lost.

"So we have decided to go ahead with the match and our players will wear black armbands in grief and observe a minute's silence and flags will be lowered. The PCB will donate proceeds of the match to the families of the martyred and towards rebuilding the school.”

Pakistan lead the 5-match ODI series 2-1.

Events in Peshawar has affected us: Afridi

Pakistan all-rounder and stand-in captain Shahid Afridi had told reporters on Tuesday that the team hasn’t been in the right frame of mind ever since receiving the news of the horrific attack in Peshawar.

"It's sad what's happened in Peshawar.Our prayers are with the families who have lost their kids. I hope the situation will get better in Pakistan and we live in a secure atmosphere.

"Whether we are in Pakistan or away, it affects us. Ever since we heard this news we were saying that it should not have happened. We hope the situation gets better, we hope that all those who have the responsibility will improve the situation," Afridi told.

However, the match between Kenya and Pakistan A that was scheduled to take place on Thursday in Pakistan has been postponed by a day and will now be played on Friday. The PCB also decided to shift the finals of the Malala Cup to Thursday.