The Cancellation of the Cricket Series Between Pakistan and New Zealand: Insights and Analysis

Earlier this year, the highly anticipated cricket series between Pakistan and New Zealand was abruptly cancelled, leaving a trail of controversy and questions. This article delves into the intricacies of the events leading up to this drastic decision, exploring the security threats and their implications for both nations.

The Security Threat to the New Zealand Team

On Friday, September 17, 2021, during an official cricket tour, the New Zealand cricket team announced their unilateral decision to withdraw from the planned series and return home. This decision was based on a specific security threat that emerged due to a warning provided by an ex-Army officer, designated as a Lieutenant Colonel, which had raised concerns about the safety of the visiting team.

Context and Historical Relevance

It is crucial to understand the historical context of this event. Flashbacks to May 2002 in Karachi, Pakistan, illustrate how the cancellation of the cricket series is far from an isolated incident. During the second cricket test between Pakistan and New Zealand, a bomb exploded outside the hotel where the New Zealand team was stationed, claiming 12 lives. Interestingly, despite the New Zealand team's unharmed status, they were the first to depart from Pakistan following the incident. Fast forward to the present day, and the New Zealand team's withdrawal can be seen as a manifestation of widespread concerns regarding the safety of high-profile international teams in Pakistan.

Specific Threat Events

Three key events culminated in the devastating decision to cancel the cricket series:

Event 1: Threat Advisory from an Ex-Taliban Operative

The first warning of potential threats emerged in the form of a Facebook post by Ehsanullah Ehsan, a former spokesperson for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group, often referred to as the "bad Taliban" in contrast to the "good Taliban" ruling Afghanistan. This post alerting the world about a potential attack on the visiting New Zealand cricket team was intercepted by the Security Intelligence Service (SIS) of New Zealand. The SIS approached Ehsanullah Ehsan, who had recently fallen out with Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), leading him to provide valuable evidence supporting the imminent threat.

Event 2: Threat Advisory from the British High Commission in Islamabad

Simultaneously, the British High Commission in Islamabad, working in collaboration with MI6, intercepted communication from members of the TTP. This information was then forwarded to New Zealand, once again reinforcing the credibility of the growing security concerns over the visiting team.

Event 3: Threat Advisory from the Rawalpindi Police

On September 13, 2021, the Additional Inspector General of Rawalpindi Police issued an official threat advisory, specifically mentioning the visiting New Zealand cricket team. This memo was an official declaration of potential threats, adding another layer of urgency to the situation.

Reflections on Pakistani Intelligence and Security

While these threats were clearly communicated to international intelligence agencies, questions remain regarding why Pakistani intelligence did not receive this crucial information. Critics argue that the ISI was too preoccupied with engaging with the emerging "good Taliban" government in Afghanistan, leaving Pakistan's security apparatus in a vulnerable state. This raises critical questions about the reliability and efficacy of Pakistan's intelligence services in addressing real security threats on their soil.

Conclusion and Lessons Learned

The cancellation of the cricket series between Pakistan and New Zealand is a somber reminder of the severe security challenges faced by contemporary nation-states. It serves as a valuable lesson on the importance of sharing intelligence information across borders and the critical role that local and international intelligence agencies play in ensuring the safety and security of citizens and international visitors. As Hillary Clinton famously stated, the presence of security threats is inevitable, and those who ignore them do so at their own peril.