England cricket chiefs on Monday cancelled upcoming men’s and women’s tours of Pakistan days after New Zealand abandoned their series over security concerns.

The men’s side were due to play two T20ls on October 13 and 14, with the women playing three ODIs on October 17, 19 and 21. All the matches were set to take place in Rawalpindi. “We know there are increasing concerns about travelling to the region and believe that going ahead will add further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of operating in restricted Covid environments,” said a statement from the ECB.