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Ground Report | New Delhi: New Zealand cricket team; The New Zealand cricket team on Friday refused to go to the Rawalpindi stadium where they were to play the first one-day international against Pakistan, citing security concerns, Reuters reported.
New Zealand cricket team refuses
A top security official said, "Our security officials and the Pakistan Cricket Board have been trying to convince the team for hours, but it didn't work."
Another Pakistani government official also told Reuters that the team was unwilling to enter the stadium on security grounds. New Zealand is touring Pakistan for the first time in 18 years to play three One Day Internationals and five Twenty20 matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
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Cricket in Pakistan was suspended
International cricket in Pakistan was suspended after the 2009 Sri Lankan terror attacks and the first three One Day Internationals in Rawalpindi on Friday were under heavy security.
Former captain Ramiz Raja has vowed to replace the sixth-ranked ODI squad following a change in the team's backroom staff after being appointed the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday.
His promotion came just a week after head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis resigned for personal reasons. Former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq replaced Misbah while former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was appointed as his assistant.
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Sony Sports Network has got the broadcast rights for Pakistan's tour of New Zealand. Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD will be live streaming the PAK vs NZ 1st ODI in India, while the live stream will be available on the SonyLiv app.
Pakistan tour of New Zealand full schedule of ODI
1st ODI - 17 September - 02:30 PM IST
2nd ODI - 19 September - 02:30 PM IST
3rd ODI - 21st September - 02:30 PM IST
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