Pakistan cricket team tour to Netherlands postponed

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the tour of the Pakistani team to the Netherlands has been postponed till July.

A statement issued by the PCB, stated, “The decision has been taken after the Dutch government banned all sports events until 1st September this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The team was scheduled to play three One-Day Internationals in Amstelveen on 4th, 7th, and 9th July. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan in this regard said, “Postponing the match is absolutely the right thing to do as human lives are far more precious and valuable than a cricket match or an event.”

He asserted that the Netherlands has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the PCB offers heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their lives.

While talking about the Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond, he said, “The PCB will engage with the KNCB to reschedule the tour as soon as things return to normal so that we can fulfill our obligation.”

Chairman KNCB Betty Timmer said, “It is extremely disappointing that we would not be able to host any international cricket in the Netherlands this summer.”

He added, “However, the health and safety of the players, staff, and fans are our main priority, and in that light the ban on events by the Dutch government is understandable.”

Timmer hoped that by next season the situation is under control again, so the board could host the Super League series against England, Ireland, and the West Indies as planned.

“We would love to welcome back all cricket fans on our grounds in the summer of 2021,” Timmer added.