Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has lashed out at New Zealand Cricket (NZC) following a final warning to the Babar Azam-led cricket team after six of its players were tested COVID-19 positive for violating the quarantine protocols.
See Also: Shoaib Akhtar reveals he was told to take drugs in order to enhance his speed
On Thursday (November 26), NZC issued a press release citing that some Pakistani cricketers breached the bio-security regulations on the very first day of their 14-day quarantine.
Consequently, Pakistan’s training during the isolation period has been put on hold.
“NZC has also been made aware that some members of the Pakistan team had contravened protocols on the first day of managed isolation. We will be having discussions with the tourists to assist them in understanding the requirements,” NZC said in a statement.
“NZC considers public health and safety to be paramount in the hosting of international teams, and is supportive of the Ministry of Health and Government position,” it added.
However, the statement didn’t go down well with Akhtar as he said New Zealand needs Pakistan more than the other way around and also added that the Black Caps should be ‘indebted’ to the Men in Green for touring their country in such difficult times.
“New Zealand’s comment that if Pakistan’s team’s SOP is not in place then we will cancel the tour is below the belt. I want to give a message to New Zealand board [NZC] that this is not a club team, it’s Pakistan National Cricket Team,” Akhtar said in a video posted on his Youtube channel.
“We don’t need you. Our cricket has not finished. You will get the broadcasting rights money. So, you should be indebted to us that we decided to tour your country in such difficult times,” he added.
“You talking about Pakistan- the greatest country on the planet- so behave yourself and stop giving such statement. Be careful next time. Pakistan team now needs to smash them in T20I series,” he continued.
Here’s the video:
Pakistan will play New Zealand in three T20Is and two Tests from December 18 to January 9.
