The global pandemic of Coronavirus that continues to be on rampage World over and has also affected sports events has affected one more major Cricket tour.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the Pakistan cricket team’s July tour of the Netherlands has been indefinitely postpones as the Dutch government has banned all events until September 1, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is sad that we have to postpone our July tour to the Netherlands, but in the prevailing circumstances, this is absolutely the right thing to do as human lives are far more precious and valuable than a cricket match or an event,”PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said in a press release.
“Netherlands has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and we offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their lives. Like any other country, the PCB stands firmly with the KNCB and hope they will be able to overcome this crisis.
“The Pakistan national men’s cricket team’s tours to Ireland, for two Twenty20 Internationals, and England, for three Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals, are on track at this stage. We are keeping a watching brief and are in contact with our counterparts in Dublin and London, respectively. As is always the case, the PCB will be happy to be guided by the hosts on the upcoming tours but without compromising on the health and safety of its players and team support personnel.”
The Pakistan team was scheduled to play three ODIs in Amstelveen on July 4, 7 and 9.
“It is extremely disappointing that we won’t be able to host any international cricket in the Netherlands this summer. However, the health and safety of the players, staff and fans is our main priority, and in that light the ban on events by the Dutch government is understandable,” said Betty Timmer, the chairperson of KNCB.
