'No one would dare do that to India': Pak PM Imran Khan slams ENG, NZ for cancelling Pakistan tours

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has lashed out at New Zealand and England for cancelling their Pakistan tours. New Zealand abandoned their Pakistan tour hours before the start of the first ODI citing security concerns. Soon after, England, who were set to play two T20Is ahead of the World Cup, also cancelled their visit. Imran Khan expressed his disappointment over the developments and said that no team would have done the same to India due to financial benefits.

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“England let itself down. I think that there is still this feeling in England that they do a great favour to play with countries like Pakistan,” said Khan. “One of the reasons is that, obviously, the money,” said Imran khan in an interview to Middle East Eye.

“Money is a big player now. For the players, as well as for the cricket boards. The money lies in India, so basically, India controls world cricket now. I mean, they do, whatever they say goes. No one would dare do that to India because they know that the sums involved, India can sort of produce much more money,” he added.

Pakistan had travelled to England to save their summer during the pandemic. However, they did not get the same support in return when Pakistan desperately needed it. Earlier, ECB chairman Ian Watmore had apologised to PCB for the cancellation of the tour and promised to do their best efforts to visit the country next year.

“We need to rebuild our relationship with Pakistan and will refocus on going there in 2022. This wasn’t the right time. Obviously, we’re extremely grateful to Pakistan coming here last year, and we will do everything we can to deliver the scheduled tour next year,” said Watmore