New Zealand 'unlikely' to tour Pakistan

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan claims it is “highly unlikely” that the Black Caps will be touring Pakistan later this year.

Vaughan told Radio New Zealand this morning that the New Zealand cricketers would not be going to the country for a scheduled series in November in the wake of the attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore yesterday.

But he has now back-tracked slightly, saying a final decision was still some months away.

“I can confirm that we haven’t made a final decision on the Pakistan tour for November,” he said.

“Although I think it is highly unlikely that we will be playing in Pakistan, I think in terms of getting official board confirmation, as well as following the correct process and also wanting to discuss and get agreement from Pakistan Cricket, we won’t be able to confirm the actual arrangements for our November tour for some months.”

Vaughan will hold talks with his Pakistan counterparts at an International Cricket Council meeting in April, where he will raise the possibility of holding the series at a neutral venue.

Justin Vaughan says "it is highly unlikely" that New Zealand will tour Pakistan

He added: “I think we need to explore what sort of options there are, allow the dust to settle after Lahore and then explore with them what options there might be.

“Things like perhaps playing Pakistan in neutral venues. I think there are options we can look at.”

Pakistan have played matches in the Gulf States and Abu Dhabi, and Vaughan said: “I think that would appear like an obvious solution but again those are things that are being considered now.

“Certainly at the end of April I know Australia are scheduled to play some one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi so we would be keen to see how that event went.

“I’d be hopeful that (neutral venues were) something Pakistan Cricket as well see as their best alternative.”

The news of the attack on the Sri Lanka team bus just outside Gaddafi Stadium reached New Zealand during the first one-day international against India, and Vaughan revealed security around both teams has since been increased.

He added: “We’re extremely conscious of the fact that India are a very high-profile team. But also our own Black Caps - we don’t want to ignore their safety in any way.

“They are at home. I’m sure they feel very safe and secure in New Zealand but we will take no chances and cut no corners in terms of ensuring the teams are safe.”

Despite the attack, Vaughan is adamant that international cricket in Asia should continue.

“We have to find a way to play cricket in Asia. It is the heartbeat of the game, there is no denying that," he said.

“Those countries are more passionate about cricket than any other countries. We must find a way to be able to stage international cricket in the region.

“Now, what the future is for hosting international cricket inside Pakistan, I think that is a really difficult question to find a good solution for currently.

"But I think all of international cricket is obliged to look at this very seriously and try and find solutions.”