Just as fans were rejoicing the return of women’s cricket after a long hiatus, Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe has been canceled. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Thursday, called off their ongoing tour due to operational reasons.
As per PCB’s media release, “Following Emirates Airlines’ announcement of their flight operations suspension on the Harare-Dubai sector from 13-28 February, both the boards have decided to end the tour.” Pakistan, who played just one game on the tour, will leave Zimbabwe on 12th February.
Wasim Khan, the PCB Chief, expressed his disappointment over the same, “It has been a difficult decision considering Zimbabwe Cricket had put in place excellent arrangements for the series. But the decision by the Emirates Airlines to suspend all flights to and from Harare from 13 February to 28 February has meant that we have to bring the squad back in the next 24 hours.”
“We thank Zimbabwe Cricket for their understanding and support, and hope to return at some stage to complete this additional tour,” he concluded.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said, “It is unfortunate that the Pakistan Women’s team have had to cut short their stay in Zimbabwe as a precautionary move after some unforeseen air travel complications arose, but their concern is understandable.”
JUST IN:
Both Pakistan and Zimbabwe Cricket boards have decided to end the ongoing Pakistan Women’s tour due to the latest travel policies and flight suspension. 😲
The Pakistan team will leave Zimbabwe on February 12. #ZIMWvPAKW
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 11, 2021
“Nonetheless, we would like to thank PCB for having in the first place committed to this historic tour which we have no doubt would have been memorable and a massive boost for our women’s game had it not been discontinued. We hope to host them again in the near future.”
The itinerary for the tour consisted of three unofficial one-day games and the same number of T20Is. This was considered a part of the preparation for the 2021 World Cup qualifiers, which both teams are a part of.
One game which was played on the 9th of February saw Pakistan thrash Zimbabwe comprehensively. Pakistan scored 255/6 in their allotted 50 overs on the back of half-centuries by captain Javeria Khan and Aliya Riaz. The bowlers of Pakistan then took over, collectively, and annihilated Zimbabwe by bowling them out for a mere 77 runs.
Source – Cricbuzz
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