Alex Hales has criticised the ECB’s decision to pull out of a tour of Pakistan last year, saying the decision “made absolutely zero sense to me”.

The ECB was widely criticised last September when it cancelled a visit of the country scheduled for the following month. Both England’s men’s and women’s sides were set to play two T20Is, with the latter staying on for three ODIs.

In a statement explaining the cancellation, the ECB cited protecting “the mental and physical well-being” of its players and staff and “increasing concerns about travelling to the region” as reasons for pulling out.

“Disappointed with England, pulling out of their commitment & failing a member of their cricket fraternity when it needed it most,” PCB chair Ramiz Raja tweeted after the ECB announced its decision.

Hales, who last played for England in 2019, is currently playing at the PSL for Islamabad United and told Geo News: “Pakistan came to England during COVID, helped out the ECB massively, so for them to cancel that tour made absolutely zero sense to me whatsoever.

“I think it was only a short tour as well… It didn’t make any sense to me.”

Hales has featured in numerous seasons of the PSL in Pakistan and helped Karachi Kings to the title in 2020.

“I’ve been here four or five times now and get looked after really well,” Hales added. “Every time we come here, the people are very hospitable and the cricket is always really good. The fans here are crazy for it. So it’s a great place to come and play cricket.”