Pakistani sensation Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his dismay and asked New Zealand Cricket board to “behave themselves” over comments about them sending the Pakistani cricketers back to their country if they fail to follow the COVID-19 safety norms. Seven Pakistani players, out of their 35-man squad, have been tested positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand till now. New Zealand Cricket gave final warnings to the Pakistani to follow the quarantine rules and regulations before they are forced to send the visitors back to their country. As per reports, many Pakistani cricketers were caught breaking the breach of conduct while quarantining in New Zealand which led to the spread of Corona amongst them.
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Shoaib Akhtar is Demanding Respect For Pakistan
However, Shoaib Akhtar is seemingly unhappy with the way New Zealand’s board handled the situation with the Pakistan’s players. Akhtar stated that Pakistan are not any other small club whom the New Zealand board can just send back without conducting the series. Akhtar, in a YouTube video, stated that the NZ board made some below the belt statements which were very unnecessary.
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“New Zealand’s comment that if Pakistan’s team’s SOP (standard operating procedures) is not in place then we will cancel the tour is below the belt,” Akhtar said.
“I want to give a message to New Zealand board (NZC) that this is not a club team, it’s Pakistan national cricket team. We don’t need you. Our cricket has not finished and we aren’t desperate for money. 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.
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”You are 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 T20 series,” he said.
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