Confirming the cancellation of the Pakistan tour, ECB released a statement and said that the decision was taken keeping in mind the “mental and physical well-being” of players.
Atherton was least impressed with ECB’s decision to back out of their commitment, especially citing fatigue as the main cause.
Reminding the board that Pakistan had visited England at the height of the pandemic, Atherton wrote in his column for thetimes.co.uk:
Pakistan played three Tests and three T20Is in England in August-September last year as international cricket was trying to get back on its feet following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Atherton conceded that Pakistan have every right to be angry over ECB’s betrayal, particularly after they went out of their way to visit England.
Before England, New Zealand abandoned their tour of Pakistan just hours before the first ODI in Rawalpindi last week, citing a threat to security.
Player welfare for Pakistan tour, not for IPL: Atherton’s dig at ECB
In his column, Atherton also opined that ECB’s player welfare excuse doesn’t hold water since a number of star English cricketers are part of the IPL bio-bubble in the UAE.
Pakistan’s home season could be under serious threat following New Zealand and England’s withdrawal. West Indies are due to visit the country in December while Australia are scheduled to tour Pakistan in February-March 2022.
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