The New Zealand cricket team has abandoned its ongoing tour of Pakistan before the start of the first ODI, citing a security threat that the host board insisted did not exist while declaring the pull-out a unilateral move.

Trouble began when the first ODI of the white ball series could not begin on time at the Rawalpindi Stadium with both teams remaining in their hotel rooms. New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White eventually issued a statement to say that it was simply not possible to continue with the tour given the advice he was receiving from his government.