The England Cricket Board (ECB) announced cancelling the visit of its team to Pakistan, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.

"We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)" the ECB regret.

The PCB worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in the country. "We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasise an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022," the British Board said.

https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1439977560822136838

The English board decision comes a few days after New Zealand pulled out its team over security concerns. "Mental and physical well-being of players and support staff remains the highest priority, and this is even more critical given the times we are currently living in," it added 

England's men and women teams were due to play two Twenty20s in Rawalpindi on October 13 and 14.  The women's team are also due to play three ODIs in Pakistan on October 17, 19, and 21.

The ECB acknowledged PCB's support over the last two summers, which it termed had been "a huge demonstration of friendship".

The ECB said it had a 'longstanding commitment' to tour Pakistan as part of the Men's Future Tours Programme in 2022, as it had agreed to play two additional T20 World Cup warm-up games in October, adding a short women's tour with double headers alongside the men's games.

"The ECB Board convened this weekend to discuss these extra England Women's and Men's games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip," the board added.