Tom Latham praises Pakistani authorities for taking care of NZ squad

ISLAMABAD: New Zealand skipper Tom Latham lavished praise on Pakistani authorities and security forces for taking care of the visiting squad, saying that the series ended on an abrupt and disappointing end.
In an interview after the Kiwis cancelled the Pakistan tour last week, the New Zealand captain said the abrupt end to the tour was “naturally disappointing”, noting that Pakistan cricket fans were left disappointed after waiting for international cricket to resume in the country after a long time.
Latham said he and the rest of the squad were excited to be part of the team that was touring Pakistan after 18 years. He recalled how excited and passionate Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was a day before the series was abandoned.
“He was very happy that international cricket was resuming in Pakistan, and for us [New Zealand squad] to be there too,” he said.
Latham said that after the series was called off, the Pakistani authorities were quite cordial with the team, adding that they kept them comfortable for the next 24 hours.
“We all spent time there [Pakistan] which was very good for us,” he said. “The last 24 hours there were quite tense but now we are in high spirits and waiting to go home,” he said.
The Black Caps’ skipper said everyone was astonished last week on Friday when the match was delayed at first. He said for the New Zealand Cricket Association and others, players’ safety was paramount.
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