Link to the article: https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/pakistan-says-threat-to-nz-cricketers-originated-in-india/
This article is about how Pakistan is accusing individuals in India of sending death threatening emails to New Zealand cricket players causing them to abandon its cricket tour in the country. New Zealand did not share the exact details of the threat with Pakistan, however we know that the email was sent from an associated device in India using a VPN. When the threats were first heard about it caused the British High Commissioner in Pakistan to get involved saying that they still advised for the tour on security grounds but let the ECB have the ultimate decision. The decision was made by the ECB, which is independent of the British government, saying ¨based on concerns for players welfare New Zealand will cancel the cricket tour in Pakistan¨. This is the first time since 2003 that the New Zealand cricket team pulled out of its plans to play in Pakistan.
This article is important because the abrupt cancellation came as a major embarrassment and setback to Pakistan. Pakistan even released a statement saying “It’s very unfortunate because the spectators and fans want to see their cricket heroes play in front of them, on the home soil against foreign teams,” Mr. Alam said. “The thrill and enjoyment has been denied to the fans.” Pakistan is one of the most passionate countries for the game of cricket and it is a key component of their economy. Additionally, Pakistan has had a troubled history with getting visiting teams to play with renewed terror attacks in the country increasing the nervousness of other countries visiting there, so this recent event doesn’t help their historically bad reputation. My thoughts on the event is that it might be a cover up for Pakistan for New Zealand pulling out on its tour or India could be using fake news to sabotage New Zealand’s Tour since India and Pakistan do not get along very well.
This is related to things that we talked about in class with the relationship between Pakistan and India with us learning they do get along with each other too well. Although both countries have maintained a fragile ceasefire since 2003, India and Pakistan are known to take subtle shots at each other through outlets like the press and It is not new for Pakistan to engage in baseless propaganda against India and vise versa.