20 Dec 2014

NZ Cricket denies pressuring Pakistan to play

12:27 pm on 20 December 2014

New Zealand Cricket denies it put any pressure on Pakistan to play the fourth one dayer in Abu Dhabi, in the immediate aftermath of the Peshawar massacre.

It was an emotional Pakistan side that took the field in the wake of the Taliban attack which killed 141 people, mostly women and children.

Pakistan batsman Younis Khan was opposed to the match going ahead, saying it would be very difficult to play in the wake of such a barbaric act.

A statement from Pakistan cricket officials suggested they had wanted to call the match off but were "constrained by the broadcaster's commitment as well as for cricketing reasons advised by New Zealand management".

The chief executuive of New Zealand Cricket David White wouldn't comment on the matter but a New Zealand Cricket spokesperson says neither the Black Caps or New Zealand Cricket applied any pressure for the match to be played.

Pakistan batsman Younus Khan wanted the fourth one dayer against New Zealand called off in the wake of the Peshawar massacre.

Pakistan batsman Younus Khan wanted the fourth one dayer against New Zealand called off in the wake of the Peshawar massacre. Photo: Photosport

The spokesperson says New Zealand Cricket says they were happy to abide by whatever decision Pakistan made and did suggest the match could be rescheduled for Pakistan's upcoming tour of New Zealand.

New Zealand went onto to win the game by seven runs.