Following Pakistan’s hard-fought five-wicket victory over New Zealand in a T20 World Cup 2021 match in Sharjah. Shoaib Akhtar took a shot at the Blackcaps. The former Pakistani sprinter sarcastically asked New Zealand if they felt secure in the UAE against the Men in Green. His comments come after the New Zealanders’ tour of Pakistan was canceled earlier this year due to security concerns.
The New Zealand cricket board canceled a visit to Pakistan in September of this year due to safety concerns. As a result of the Blackcaps’ departure due to security concerns, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have canceled their men’s and women’s tours of Pakistan.
“Congratulations to New Zealand that they didn’t come to Pakistan but were you safe in the UAE as well? We forgot to send security within the field because we thought maybe you wouldn’t feel safe on the ground as well.” He said
In addition, the former cricketer-turned-expert made a particular plea to his Pakistani and Indian admirers. “Pakistan is a safe country, but not a safe side to play against,” Akhtar pleaded with them in an e-mail to the New Zealand cricket board.
“I have a request for all Pakistanis and Indians, and all my fans, to please send an e-mail to the New Zealand cricket board that – PAKISTAN IS A SAFE COUNTRY BUT NOT A SAFE TEAM TO PLAY AGAINST,” he added
In his video, Shoaib Akhtar also stated that India was rooting for Pakistan to defeat New Zealand on Tuesday.
India will meet New Zealand in a potential knockout match on October 31 after losing their initial T20 World Cup 2021 encounter by 10 wickets to Pakistan.
Pakistan acted as a “good neighbor” by defeating New Zealand, according to Akhtar, because a Kiwi victory would have put India in “serious danger.”
“Today, for a change, the whole of India was behind Pakistan to win the match. Because if we were to lose today, and if India lose against New Zealand, they would’ve got into real trouble. So, we (Pakistan) saved you (India). This is what good neighbors do. Remember this. We want you to make it to the finals. And we are ready to take on you in the finals.” The former pacer explained
Babar Azam
The Babar Azam-led squad had been ranked second in Group 2 prior to the match. However, following their win over New Zealand, Pakistan jumped above Afghanistan into first place, ensuring their place in the semi-finals. The race for second place will primarily be between India and New Zealand.
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