Fourth ODI goes ahead on schedule

The fourth ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Abu Dhabi, went ahead as scheduled after there had been doubts about whether the match would be played following the terrorist attack on a Peshawar school on Tuesday, in which over 140 people, mostly students, were gunned down.

The PCB, however, postponed Pakistan's A game against Kenya in Lahore from December 18 to 19. The board also pushed back the women's championship final, which was set to be played today.

The PCB also said all the income from the Abu Dhabi ODI will be donated to the families of the children killed in the attack, as well as go towards rebuilding the school.

"We tried our best to postpone the fourth ODI but were constrained by the broadcaster's commitment as well as for cricketing reasons advised by New Zealand management", a PCB spokesperson said. "We are playing outside Pakistan only because of the threat of terrorism at home. If we allow terrorists to disrupt our matches abroad, then all will be lost.

"So we have decided to go ahead with the match and our players will wear black armbands in grief and observe a minute's silence and flags will be lowered. The PCB will donate proceeds of the match to the families of the martyred and towards rebuilding the school."

On Tuesday, Pakistan's stand-in captain, Shahid Afridi, had said the team was shocked by the tragedy. "It's sad what's happened in Peshawar," he said. "Our prayers are with the families who have lost their kids. I hope the situation will get better in Pakistan and we live in a secure atmosphere.

"Whether we are in Pakistan or away, it affects us. Ever since we heard this news we were saying that it should not have happened. We hope the situation gets better, we hope that all those who have the responsibility will improve the situation."

After the game, which New Zealand won by seven runs, Kane Williamson said his team had been ready to do whatever the PCB wanted. "We were very much in support of whatever the Pakistan side and board wanted to do. But the game was decided to go ahead and from that point onwards the guys were just trying to play their best cricket. But obviously it's just a horrific time for the people in Pakistan."