‘Were you safe in the UAE? – Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at New Zealand after T20 World Cup match in Sharjah

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has taken a dig at New Zealand after Pakistan beat the Kiwis by five wickets on Tuesday, October 26 at the Sharjah Cricket Ground. The entire Pakistan cricket fraternity was saddened and enraged after the Black Caps abandoned their tour of Pakistan earlier this year. To add insult to injury, England also pulled out from their bilateral series.

Thereafter, Shoaib had asked Pakistan to go out all guns blazing against New Zealand. After the Men in Green won the WC game, Shoaib, popularly known as the Rawalpindi Express, churned out a sarcastic remark for The Kiwis regarding security while playing in the UAE.

“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,” Shoaib said on his YouTube channel.

Pakistan is a safe country, affirms Shoaib Akhtar

He also iterated that Pakistan is a safe country to play cricket and their security arrangements are top-notch. The veteran, however, said that the Pakistan cricket team shouldn’t be taken lightly by any means. Babar Azam and Co. have won both their games in the Super 12 of the World Cup.

“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 stated.

He also hoped for India to qualify for the final to be played next month. India, led by Virat Kohli, started their campaign with a 10-wicket loss to Pakistan on Sunday, October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

“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). We want you to make it to the finals. And we are ready to take on you in the finals,” Shoaib added.

 Check the latest updates of the T20 World Cup schedule, T20 World cup Teams and Squads, T20 World Cup Points table, and more on CricTracker.