More trouble for Pakistan as England too call off their white-ball tour of the country

The future of the series was in doubt ever since New Zealand backed out from their ODI and T20I series in Pakistan despite arriving in the country and spending good 6 days before the start of the first ODI in Rawalpindi. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) had got an "authentic" tip off from their government about a security threat against the vistors. Following the advisory, New Zealand team did not leave the team hotel and later the entire tour was called off. The players had flown out of the country in a chartered flight. 

"The ECB has a longstanding commitment to tour Pakistan as part of the Men's Future Tours Programme in 2022.

"The ECB Board convened this weekend to discuss these extra England Women's and Men's games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip," an ECB statement said on Monday, September 20. 

"The mental and physical well-being of our players and support staff remains our highest priority and this is even more critical given the times we are currently living in. 

"We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the PCB, who have worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in their country. Their support of English and Welsh cricket over the last two summers has been a huge demonstration of friendship.  We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasise an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022," the statement further read.

The historic trip, which would have been the first ever for England women's team and the first by their male counterparts since 2005. The men and women's team were slated to simultaneously play two T20Is each on October 13 and 14. Also, England Women and Pakistan Women were scheduled to lock horns in a 3 ODIs on October 17, 19 and 21.