PCB in contact with men’s and women’s team following strong NZ earthquake

Cracks appeared in roads around Centre Port, Wellington after a strong earthquake struck near Christchurch just after midnight

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday said that it is in contact with the national men's and women's team in New Zealand, following a powerful earthquake in the country.

Various cities in New Zealand were jolted by a strong earthquake measuring 7.4 late Sunday night.

Players and management of both Pakistan men's and women's team were immediately evacuated from their hotel rooms following the earthquake in Nelson and Christchurch, respectively.

"PCB’s management has established a contact with Pakistan’s Men and Women Cricket team touring New Zealand for a bilateral series after an earthquake of high intensity hit the country on Sunday," said a PCB spokesman.

"Both teams’ management in a telephonic conversation conveyed about the safety and overall playing conditions in New Zealand in the wake of an earthquake," the spokesman added.

The PCB added that the board is also in contact with Mian Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi Qureshi, High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Zealand, who is in touch with Pakistani players and facilitating them.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has said that safety evaluations are ongoing at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval and Nelson’s Saxton Oval ahead of Pakistan's Test against New Zealand and women team's ODI match.

"New Zealand Cricket will continue to monitor the status of each of those international venues, and liaise with the appropriate authorities ahead of the fixtures," NZC said in an announcement.

"Both Pakistan touring parties, as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board, are being constantly updated on the current situation," the statement from NZC added.

Both matches are scheduled to start on Thursday.