Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at New Zealand, leaves live TV show after being called ‘rude’

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been highly critical of the New Zealand cricket team after it abandoned its tour of Pakistan back in September. The Black Caps cited ‘security threats’ as a reason for pulling out of the tour. Thereafter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) arranged a chartered flight for the Kiwis’ contingent for their return back home.

Later, Akhtar posted a video where he asked Pakistan to go berserk against New Zealand in their T20 World Cup 2021 clash. The Rawalpindi Express said that New Zealand Cricket had “killed Pakistan cricket”. Before Pakistan’s clash with the Kiwis on October 26 in Sharjah, Akhtar didn’t forget to take a sarcastic jibe at their opponent.

“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,” 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 😉

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 26, 2021

Shoaib Akhtar involved in another unwanted incident  

Thereafter, Akhtar was involved in a short controversy during a live TV show. Akhtar was a panelist along with former England cricketer David Gower and West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards. Nauman Niaz, the show’s host, told Akhtar that he was being “a little rude”.

After pausing for a while, Akhtar told the audience that he was resigning. He stood up and left the show as the cameras rolled. Later on Twitter, Akhtar said that he was a bit embarrassed by the entire saga.

He said that he tried to make the occurring a humorous one “with this mutual understanding that Dr. Noman will also politely apologize and we will move on with the show, which he refused to do. Then I had no other choice.”

On October 26, Pakistan beat New Zealand by five wickets in the Super 12 match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Haris Rauf became the Player of the Match after he picked up four wickets for 22 runs in four overs.

In the end, it was Asif Ali’s unbeaten 12-ball 27 that took Pakistan over the finishing line. The likes of Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Rizwan also played well.