The British High Commission did not advise against England cricket’s tour of Pakistan next month on security grounds, the top British diplomat in Pakistan said on Tuesday.
In a video message, British High Commissioner Christian Turner said the BHC had supported the tour and “our travel advice for Pakistan has not changed.”
He emphasised that the decision to call off the tour was taken by the English Cricket Board, “which is independent of the British government, based on concerns for player welfare”.
Turner said he shared the “deep sadness” of cricket fans over England’s decision to cancel the tour. “I have been a champion of international cricket’s return to Pakistan and will redouble my efforts in advance of England’s Autumn 2022 tour,” he added.
“I hope that we will soon hear the roar of full cricket stadiums again,” the envoy stated, adding in Urdu: “In the end, cricket will be victorious.”