Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar lost his temper at New
Zealand Cricket after they signalled to call off the international tour if the visiting
Pakistan men’s cricket team did not adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.

This comes after seven Pakistani cricketers tested positive
for COVID-19. The team remains in isolation in the Christchurch hotel. The
entire team had tested negative prior to departure for New Zealand.

Shoaib Akhtar expressed discontent as he thought the New Zealand Cricket’s threat was unjustified.

“I want to tell this to New Zealand and their cricket board that this is not a club team, it is Pakistan’s national team. How can you send out such a statement that you will call off the tour? We don’t need you; our cricket is not finished and we are not desperate for money,” Shoaib Akhtar said. 

Akhtar said that the New Zealand Cricket should be obligated to the Pakistani team as they visited their country in such difficult times.

“The money from broadcasting rights will go to you, not us. So, you should be indebted to us for coming to play in these testing times,” the former pacer added. 

“You are talking about Pakistan, so behave yourself and stop giving this sort of statements. Be careful of what you say, next time,” he added. 

Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Wasim Khan warned the squad to
strictly adhere to the protocols or else they would be asked to retreat.  

New Zealand
Health informed the players that they would be tested at least four times while
they remain under quarantine. They also revealed that several members were
caught on the CCTV breaching COVID-19 protocols.

Also Read | Seventh Pakistan cricketer tests positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand

The team as a whole
has been issued a final warning, as per media report.

The Pakistan cricket team is in New
Zealand since Tuesday, where they are scheduled to play three Twenty20
Internationals and two Test matches. 

Their tour is set to kick off with the first T20I that will
be played in Auckland on December 18.