New Zealand have asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to schedule a match in Karachi when they tour Pakistan later this year. New Zealand are scheduled to play five one-day internationals in Pakistan as compensation for their aborted tour of 2001, which was called off when a bomb exploded in Karachi near the hotel where the New Zealand team was staying.
Rameez Raja, chief executive of the PCB, confirmed the request: "New Zealand have made a request to this effect … the itinerary is yet to be given final shape.
“We can understand the reasons for New Zealand’s request,” Rameez said. “But at the same time Bangladesh and South Africa have confirmed they will be playing matches at Karachi this season.”
Rameez stated that the itinerary would be discussed with Martin Snedden, chief executive of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), after the International Cricket Council meeting in London next week.
I don't mind as long as they play in Pakistan and our board is making huge money from international matches, but I feel sorry for people living in Karachi, too bad I am not in Karachi anymoore.
The Kiwis have a valid point, they have bad memories from the last time they visited the city. I think PCB should agree to the New Zealand request, and to make it upto the cricket crazy fans of Karachi they can stage a couple of South Africa VS Pakistan matches in Karachi. New Zealand bhi khush... Karachi waley bhi Khush.
I think New Zealand is scared. I mean the whupping that Inzmam gave them last year and their horrendous performence in every match was enough for them to make a security concerned issue and flea. And this time around it might again be the same thing........talk about deja vu.
I agree with Umair and others... unfortunately there is a greater probability of any incident happening in Karachi... and despite their tall claims, administration has not been able to control things. I think a better compromise would be to stage a match in Hyderabad, approximately 100 miles from Karachi, which would give the Karachiites an opportunity to drive if they wish to. PCB should not make this an issue, as god forbid if there is a match in karachi and something bad happens, that would easily result in future tour cancellations and a much greater financial loss... the losses far out-weigh the benefits.