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Pakistan’s tour to the Netherlands has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was made in light of the Dutch government’s decision to ban all sporting and cultural events in the country until September 1, and KNCB confirmed that the country will not host any international crickets this summer.
Pakistan was due to visit the Netherlands for a three-game ODI series before a full tour of England, with games scheduled to be played in Amstelveen on 4.7 and 9 July. The Netherlands was also due to host New Zealand for a single T20I on June 15, but that too has been delayed indefinitely. A home run series with Namibia, Oman and the United States has also been the victim of the pandemic.
“It is sad that we have to postpone our July tour to the Netherlands, but under the prevailing circumstances, this is absolutely the right thing to do, as human lives are far more valuable and worthwhile than a cricket match or a event, “Wasim Khan, the chief executive of PCB, said. “The Netherlands has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and we offer our sincere condolences to all those who have lost their lives. Like any other country, the PCB stands firm with the KNCB and we hope that they can overcome this crisis”. Pakistan’s national cricket teams have always enjoyed touring the Netherlands and as soon as things are back to normal the PCB will engage the KNCB to reschedule the tour so that we can fulfill our obligation. “
KNCB President Betty Timmer echoed Khan’s sentiments. “It is extremely disappointing that we cannot host any international cricket in the Netherlands this summer,” he said. “However, the health and safety of players, staff and fans is our top priority, and in that sense the Dutch government’s ban on events is understandable. We really hope that next season the situation will return to Being under control, so you can host the Super League series against England, Ireland and the West Indies as planned. We’d love to welcome all cricket fans to our pitch in the summer of 2021. “
The coronavirus pandemic has shut down all cricket worldwide, along with almost all sports activities. England’s three-test tour of Sri Lanka was one of the first to be canceled, and a number of other series were canceled as the virus began to take hold around the world. An ODI series between India and South Africa was delayed indefinitely, and the New Zealand ODI series in Australia was postponed halfway. While some players have given reserved support on the possibility of playing cricket behind closed doors when the time comes, it seems there is still a long time before it even becomes a realistic possibility.
