New Zealand have called off their tour to Pakistan in the aftermath of the terrorist atrocities in the United States of America. New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said that they had reached the decision after taking expert advice on security. "It was consistent advice the whole way from Foreign Affairs, and from other agencies, that it was not advisable to travel to Pakistan," he said. "It wasn't only because the first Test was due to be played in Peshawar, close to the border with Afghanistan, the subject of increasing speculation as the base from which terrorist raids were sanctioned, but the proximity of Pakistan to a potential troublespot. "Pakistan will be naturally very disappointed but if I am honest their reaction isn't of major concern to me. Pakistan is not in a position to guarantee the security of our players, it's a world-wide concern." The New Zealand squad were due to arrive in Pakistan last Tuesday for a warm-up game in Karachi at the weekend. They had got as far as Singapore before the attacks in America led to them delaying the final leg of their journey. The Pakistan Cricket Board still maintain that the tour could go ahead, albeit in a truncated form. "We will re-visit the possibility of some cricket during October, should we be satisfied that the situation has stabilised," Snedden said. New Zealand had been due to play three Tests and five one-day internationals.

The New Zealand A team, who are currently playing in a tournament in India, will also return home.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd