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British High Commissioner to Pakistan expresses 'deep sadness' over England calling off tour

The clamours of the cricket fans in Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reached the highest level in the United Kingdom government as the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Christian Turner has posted a video message to issue clarification and express “deep sadness”.

He also confirmed that the high commission in Islamabad did not alert the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of any security threat in the country and neither did it change travel advisory for Pakistan. He added that the ECB decided to call off the tour to ensure “players’ welfare”.

He promised to double down on his efforts to ensure England’s next scheduled tour of Pakistan next year.

Notably, the ECB had called off the tour yesterday citing “anxiousness” that could well arise in players’ minds before an all-important T20 World Cup next month.

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