The
Pakistan cricket team played against New Zealand in the 19th fixture
of the ICC T20 World Cup. Pakistani cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar took a sly dig
at the Black Caps on his Twitter account as he asked the fans to remain silent
in the stadium.

On his
official Twitter handle, Akhtar wrote, “I request all Pakistan fans to remain
silent and not enjoy too extravagantly. There is every chance that New Zealand
may ask for the match to be called off due to too much noise inside the
stadium, if not for security concerns. #T20WorldCup”

The tweet
was made in reference to the Kiwis cancelling their tour of Pakistan abruptly
citing security concerns. Kane Williamson’s men were supposed to play limited overs
series on Asian soil which included three ODIs and five T20Is. It would have
been New Zealand’s first visit to Pakistan since 2003.

While the squad
did travel to New Zealand the officials decided against playing the first match
citing concerns about a credible threat which led to the cancellation of the
tour.

This was
followed by the England and Wales Cricket Board deciding against travelling to
Pakistan for a limited overs series which included two T20 international fixtures
for the men’s team and a longer tour for the women’s side which consisted of
three ODIs and two T20Is.

The news
was not received well by Pakistani cricket fans, ex cricketers and the Pakistan
Cricket Board alike. The PCB’s chairman went on to say that the team will be targeting
New Zealand and England in the ICC T20 World Cup.

The Pakistani
are high on confidence after beating their arch rivals India in a fashionable
manner. Babar Azam and co won the match by 10 wickets and will be looking to
imitate their performance against the Kiwis.

However,
the full-time cricket pundit will be hoping that his words don’t end up
haunting him once the match ends.