NZ squad delay Pakistan flight after U.S. attacks

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The New Zealand cricket squad have delayed their flight to Pakistan because of Tuesday’s terror attacks in the United States.

The players, who are in Singapore, were due to leave for Pakistan on a flight at 0200 GMT on Wednesday but elected to stay put for at least the next two days.

``Given the current upheaval in international aviation and the heightened tensions in the Middle East, we believe the extended stopover is wise,‘’ NZ Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said in a statement.

``If there is any risk that the team members would be in danger in Pakistan, then New Zealand Cricket will not hesitate to cancel or postpone the tour,‘’ Snedden said.

The three-test tour, which also includes three one-day internationals, is due to start with a warm-up game in Karachi on Sunday.

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Ticket sales for the first one-dayer between New Zealand and Pakistan have been halted after the New Zealanders delayed their flight because of Tuesday's terror attacks in the United States.

Officials in Pakistan said ticket sales for the first one-day international had been halted. ``We have suspended ticket sales until it is confirmed that New Zealand are coming to Pakistan,'' organising secretary Siraj Bukhari told Reuters.

Bukhari said: ``If the tour is on tickets will be put on sale again. But we don't want a situation where we have to go through the process of refunding tickets already sold.''