Security tightened around New Zealand women's team in England after receiving threat
Security personnel has been tightened around the New Zealand women’s cricket team who is currently in England for a white ball series after a threat was received ahead of the 3rd ODI which is slated to be played in Leicester. However, the match is set to go on as the threat wasn’t deemed credible by New Zealand cricket.
Reports in ESPNcricinfos states a member of the New Zealand team management received a threat about a bomb being placed at the team hotel. It must be learnt that they were also warned of a possible attempt of placing a bomb on their return flight to New Zealand.
The team went into lockdown before police and counter-terrorism agencies were called up. It looked possible that the match could be called off after New Zealand players didn’t train at the Grace Road. However, the NZC spokesperson clarified that they were not supposed to train there and that has no bearing on the match going on.
"As has been reported, the ECB have received a threatening email relating to NZC. Although this did not specifically reference the White Ferns it was treated seriously, investigated, and deemed not credible,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
"The White Ferns have now arrived in Leicester and, as a precaution, security around them has been boosted. Reports their training has been cancelled are false. They were not scheduled to train today as it was a travelling day. NZC will not be commenting further on the matter,” he further added.
It must be noted that the New Zealand men’s team recently aborted the tour of Pakistan on the day of the scheduled start of the ODI series. It is believed that they received a credible threat which prompted the hasty decision which has put Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under severe pressure.
The pressure only mounted when even the English men’s team confirmed that they won’t be travelling to Pakistan either for the white ball tour. England currently leads the 5 match series 2-0 and will look to take an unassailable lead when the two teams meet later today.
 "Aryasekhar Chakraborty")
