Ian Smith looking forward to ‘grudge match’ between New Zealand and Pakistan

Former New Zealand cricketer, Ian Smith is looking forward to a ‘grudge match’ between Pakistan and New Zealand at the T20 World Cup.

Last month, emotions ran high when New Zealand unilaterally decided to cancel the series against Pakistan due to ‘security threats’.

Ian Smith said, “It’s a bit of a grudge match now on the basis that New Zealand pulled out of the tour over there just recently and came home, which didn’t please Pakistan at all,”

“We were right in doing what we did but it doesn’t ease the pain for them so there will be feeling in that game. It’s the first game that we play and I think there will be a real edge to that one so I’m looking forward to it,”

The cancellation of New Zealand’s tour had much deeper effects on Pakistan cricket. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was tirelessly restoring Pakistan’s image on the international stage since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team.

Pakistan Federal Interior Minister, Sheikh Rasheed said, “This conspiracy has been hatched to tarnish the image of Pakistan, as its image was going to build up due to the role it is playing for peace in the region,”

The encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand will be on 26^th October at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.