(From left to right): Former international cricketer Shahid Afridi, actress Zarnish Khan, and singer, musician, and actor Asim Azhar[/caption]
People across Pakistan have been taken aback by the New Zealand cricket team’s abrupt cancellation of its cricket tour of Pakistan. The Kiwis pulled out over security concerns mere minutes before the first match was due to start at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday (17). Many people took to the internet to voice their anger, as did several celebrities, highlighted the Dawn in Pakistan.
Many public figures, politicians, and cricket enthusiasts pondered over the security threat cited by the New Zealand team and couldn’t understand what it was.
* Cricketer Shahid Afridi:
“On a hoax threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances! Black Caps do you understand the impact of your decision?”
* Singer Yasir Jaswal:
“The Black Caps embarrassed themselves. Also there has to be more to this, what do you guys think?”
* Pakistani singer and TV show host Fakhre Alam:
“It is only fair to share that intelligence with the Govt. of Pakistan so that if there is a real threat, it can be neutralised immediately and lives are protected.”
* Director Nabeel Qureshi:
“Devastating news.”
* Oscar-winning film-maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy:
“(It) makes no sense whatsoever. New Zealand security team had given clearance and spent almost a month here. Pakistani security has been excellent.”
* VJ Anoushey Ashraf:
“I am so sorry to the disappointed Pakistanis across the world after New Zealand’s sudden withdrawal from the game.”
* Singer Asim Azhar:
“It’s sad but it’s okay. We’re a nation used to bouncing back. Pakistan is safe and always will be. We’ll still open-heartedly welcome New Zealand or any other nation that thinks otherwise because that’s who we are. P.S.: Beware of a cornered Pakistan, world! See you at the Cricket T20 World Cup!”
* Actress Zarnish Khan:
“(It was) quite disappointing to see how things turned out. (The issue could have been handled) in a much better way without any diplomatic stunts.”