"My message to NZC is that we are not a club team that you can give warnings to us" : Shoaib Akhtar

[MenInG]

"My message to NZC is that we are not a club team that you can give warnings to us" : Shoaib Akhtar

A very angry Shoaib Akhtar speaking on his YouTube:

"A very below the belt thing has been said about the Pakistan team, saying that if SOPs are not correctly followed then the tour will be cancelled"

"The message I wish to give to NZC is that this [Pakistan] team is not some club team - this is the national team of Pakistan"

"How can you say that you will cancel the tour of a national team? Bhai we dont need you, our cricket is not dying and we arent desperate [for money] that you can say this tour will be stopped"

"You are getting the money for broadcasting rights, we wont get anything so you should be indebted to us that we are coming over at such a tough time and doing this for you"

[Speaking about the video that was shot on the flight]

"Let me say to our guys who made the video that there were other people on the flight in business class and you had masks below your nose line; You put players at risk and if you did make the video, whats the point of putting it on social media?"

"When the tour of England was organized, players were sent on chartered flights - but this time, first you went to Dubai, then to Kuala Lumpur, and then to Auckland; Does your brain [PCB] not work that you could have organized a chartered flight?"

"Why not think about signing such agreements about 3 day quarantine which is like imprisonment, lets see if Ehsan Mani would like to be imprisoned like that"

"You sent 54 people but cant spend some money on chartered flights? Get chartered flight to say Hong Kong and then proceed from there"

"They should have asked NZC to let Pakistan stay separate; A journalist has been told that when the waiter came to serve food his mask had slipped down"

"If the boys are going in the lobby so what? They arent serving a rigorous prison tem are they?"

"Why have you put our boys in a hotel where the rest of the world is also staying?"

"I am very angry about how they have threatened us - You are talking about Pakistan - the greatest nation on this planet"

"So be careful what you say next time [to NZ] - this is a country team you are talking about"

"Pakistan should give NZ a good hiding - starting with T20Is although in Tests, we dont know what will happen"

"If this Corona thing had happened in my playing days, I would have said laanat on this and not played at all"

"I am deeply hurt and angry that the New Zealand minister has given this statement - they should think about what they are saying"

"The PCB should show some spine [Tagra hona chahiyay] - If I was in their place, I would have given a statement saying that if you dont like it, we wont play and go back, we wont play for five years with you"

"And these PCB people, they dont know how to talk - just stand around looking meek

 

[cricketjoshila]

NZ authorities shouldn't have given such public warnings. It was poor.

But Akhtar must remember, PCB is in a desperate need to have teams touring pakistan.

 

[Markhor]

Shoaib has never liked warnings over disciplinary infractions.

 

[Mamoon]

Shoaib talking nonsense as usual.

Pakistan might be a big team in his eyes, but New Zealand have shown us our aukaat by warning us that if we don’t mend our ways we will kick you out.

They would have never dared to threaten a big 3 team in this fashion.

You don’t get to decide your level. Others do.

Furthermore, Pakistan does need to be on good terms with NZC in order to coerce them to tour.

Wasim also showed how clueless and incompetent he is by explicitly using the words “final warning”. There was no need of it.

He has once again proved how big of a disaster he is.

 

[shamaan]

I think the NZ authorities shouldn't have given a public warnings they should have done it between the boards.But no way pakistan can say to New Zealand we will go home espically as we dont tour India then New Zealand will be next

 

[Rajdeep]

If anything...this saga will add more spice to the series. After the public daat fatkar by NZ...Pak players would be playing with more jaazba and battameezi.

 

[KoyoAli]

As much Emotional Shoiabs statement is, I totally agree with him. People with no self-worth or national Pride might be showing their true selves in other threads but how this matter has been handled is poor and unprofessional. These players have been in a Bubble for the better part of the year. They were text negative twice and the only people they were mixing with were the people in the Bubble, Sharing food and whatnot, it was done among the Squad members who were tested negative.
And for people screaming "False negatives", False positives also exist. What if these 6 tests were false positives. Testing all around the world is doubtful. We as a Nation have handled this pandemic better than most in the region, despite our flawed medical system. No need to call these players names.
Obviously, PCB could have taken more precautions, but that doesn't give NZ the right to make statements like these in Public. But Gora parasti will mean that only we will be blamed.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

A very angry Shoaib Akhtar speaking on his YouTube:

"A very below the belt thing has been said about the Pakistan team, saying that if SOPs are not correctly followed then the tour will be cancelled"

"The message I wish to give to NZC is that this [Pakistan] team is not some club team - this is the national team of Pakistan"

"How can you say that you will cancel the tour of a national team? Bhai we dont need you, our cricket is not dying and we arent desperate [for money] that you can say this tour will be stopped"

"You are getting the money for broadcasting rights, we wont get anything so you should be indebted to us that we are coming over at such a tough time and doing this for you"

[Speaking about the video that was shot on the flight]

"Let me say to our guys who made the video that there were other people on the flight in business class and you had masks below your nose line; You put players at risk and if you did make the video, whats the point of putting it on social media?"


"When the tour of England was organized, players were sent on chartered flights - but this time, first you went to Dubai, then to Kualalampur, and then to Auckland; Does your brain [PCB] not work that you could have organized a chartered flight?"


"Why not think about signing such agreements about 3 day quarantine which is like imprisonment, lets see if Ehsan Mani would like to be imprisoned like that"

"You sent 54 people but cant spend some money on chartered flights? Get chartered flight to say Hong Kong and then proceed from there"

"They should have asked NZC to let Pakistan stay separate; A journalist has been told that when the waiter came to serve food his mask had slipped down"

"If the boys are going in the lobby so what? They arent serving a rigorous prison tem are they?"

"Why have you put our boys in a hotel where the rest of the world is also staying?"

"I am very angry about how they have threatened us - You are talking about Pakistan - the greatest nation on this planet"

"So be careful what you say next time [to NZ] - this is a country team you are talking about"

"Pakistan should give NZ a good hiding - starting with T20Is although in Tests, we dont know what will happen"

"If this Corona thing had happened in my playing days, I would have said laanat on this and not played at all"

"I am deeply hurt and angry that the New Zealand minister has given this statement - they should think about what they are saying"

"The PCB should show some spine [Tagra hona chahiyay] - If I was in their place, I would have given a statement saying that if you dont like it, we wont play and go back, we wont play for five years with you"

"And these PCB people, they dont know how to talk - just stand around looking meek

A bit emotional but he makes important points.

NZ authorities and Wasim Khan have lost a lot of points for being incompetent, stupid and opportunistic at their respective jobs.

Well done Shoaib.

There is absolutely no need to be apologetic for Pakistan team. Now go out there and give them a hiding.

 

[Local.Dada]

NZ authorities shouldn't have given such public warnings. It was poor.

But Akhtar must remember, PCB is in a desperate need to have teams touring pakistan.

Why shouldn’t they? They have 0 COVID patients in Nzl and the only ones that have Covid seem to the the Pakistani team. Not blaming the players for getting it and wishing them a speedy recovery but they are well within their rights to overreact given the current circumstances.

 

[shamaan]

As much Emotional Shoiabs statement is, I totally agree with him. People with no self-worth or national Pride might be showing their true selves in other threads but how this matter has been handled is poor and unprofessional. These players have been in a Bubble for the better part of the year. They were text negative twice and the only people they were mixing with were the people in the Bubble, Sharing food and whatnot, it was done among the Squad members who were tested negative.
And for people screaming "False negatives", False positives also exist. What if these 6 tests were false positives. Testing all around the world is doubtful. We as a Nation have handled this pandemic better than most in the region, despite our flawed medical system. No need to call these players names.
Obviously, PCB could have taken more precautions, but that doesn't give NZ the right to make statements like these in Public. But Gora parasti will mean that only we will be blamed.

I think the New Zealand austhorities shouldn't have made a public statement like that but pakistan cant afford to say to New Zealand we will go back and we wont play you

 

[Colorblind Genius]

The problem that goes against Pakistani team is that there is evidence of them breaking the rules.

Frankly speaking Shoaib, Pakistan is not a club team but it seems to be acting like one.

I would've fully supported them if there was evidence that they tried their best to follow the protocols and it was a genuine mystery as to how they got six players infected?

We all know, Covid is extremely contagious. A few people that I personally know got covid even after taking EXTREME cautions to protect themselves. Heck, even the presidents and prime ministers of first world countries got it.

But the story here is different. There is a video evidence that has caused the uproar against Pak team.

 

[saeed5646]

Why shouldn’t they? They have 0 COVID patients in Nzl and the only ones that have Covid seem to the the Pakistani team. Not blaming the players for getting it and wishing them a speedy recovery but they are well within their rights to overreact given the current circumstances.

From your logic why not nz just ban all international sports activity to avoid corona re-entering in nz .

their cricket board is desperate for $$$ and they should've think of pros and cons of other team touring their country

 

[KoyoAli]

No, they were not. Giving a Public statement would make the virus magically go away. The strong message sent in private would have been just as effective.

 

[KoyoAli]

I think the New Zealand austhorities shouldn't have made a public statement like that but pakistan cant afford to say to New Zealand we will go back and we wont play you

They cant yes, but I feel angry at this and so Shoiab and Many Pakistanis and they have a right to vent.

 

[KoyoAli]

Video of them mixing among themselves not locals. They are part of the same bubble so offcourse they would mix. And not to mention the video thing about Sharing food is about WI cricketers.

 

[NishanKonar]

This is basically the subcontinent celebrity culture that's speaking. In India & Pakistan - if u are big celebrity u can bend the rules & the authorities will oblige

In Australia & New Zealand, nobody gives a **** about who u are. It does not matter if its Pak national team or local club side - rules are same for all. This sort of irreverence is alien to desi culture

ps : if Shoaib was Australian or Kiwi, his cricket career wud have been over very quickly bcoz of his disciplinary issues. No way Aus / NZ wud have allowed him so much leeway after so much controversies

 

[Saj]

They are in New Zealand, not in Pakistan where anything seems to go regarding Covid-19.

If they can't follow New Zealand's rules, come home and do whatever you want in the streets of Lahore, Pindi or Karachi.

Well said NZC - make an example of these buffoons.

 

[Local.Dada]

From your logic why not nz just ban all international sports activity to avoid corona re-entering in nz .

their cricket board is desperate for $$$ and they should've think of pros and cons of other team touring their country

Great comprehension skills there. The world is figuring out a way to work around this deadly pandemic and Nzl did a fantastic job on almost eliminating it from their country. So why wouldn’t they want to host a sporting event?

I can 100% guarantee that if given the option between 2nd wave and losing out some $$$ for cricket broadcasting what option Nzl will pick.

They are well within their rights to throw a hissyfit when people cannot follow basic protocols violating which can lead to serious repercussions.

 

[KoyoAli]

They are in New Zealand, not in Pakistan where anything seems to go regarding Covid-19.

If they can't follow New Zealand's rules, come home and do whatever you want in the streets of Lahore, Pindi, or Karachi.

Well said NZC - make an example of these buffoons.

Wow, just wow. These players were meeting among themselves at most, not partying late at night at some club in Christchurch. Dial down the emotions man. Maybe blame the management, not these players. They have been in quarantines and bubbles for half a year now. The reactions I have seen, next someone might call for a public execution lol.

 

[Aami]

Not been handled well by New Zealand at all...they could have easily asked Pak management to discipline the players breaking the rules.

But I do feel a lack of respect for Pakistan Team, giving the impression, that we dont really need you here.

What has come of Pakistan Cricket?...

Sad.

 

[CleverSir]

To think this idiot was rumoured to be the next chief selector. This guy needs to just shut up and go into hibernation for a while.

 

[shady]

These players went through two months in England without incident and went through bubbles in the PSL and Zimbabwe tour without incident. Complete overreaction by NZC and despite what some posters here might think, Shoaib is completely right. There's frankly no comparison between the Pakistan national team and New Zealand national team. They might have a better side atm but Pakistan cricket is far more important internationally than New Zealand.

 

[Hasan123]

The players and PCB didn't follow the rules. They deserve to be warned.

 

[shamaan]

Wow, just wow. These players were meeting among themselves at most, not partying late at night at some club in Christchurch. Dial down the emotions man. Maybe blame the management, not these players. They have been in quarantines and bubbles for half a year now. The reactions I have seen, next someone might call for a public execution lol.

Why blame the management?

 

[shamaan]

These players went through two months in England without incident and went through bubbles in the PSL and Zimbabwe tour without incident. Complete overreaction by NZC and despite what some posters here might think, Shoaib is completely right. There's frankly no comparison between the Pakistan national team and New Zealand national team. They might have a better side atm but Pakistan cricket is far more important internationally than New Zealand.

Far more important due to playing Zimbabwe and the rest ?

 

[shamaan]

The players and PCB didn't follow the rules. They deserve to be warned.

Exactly they should been warned but maybe should have kept it low key

 

[shamaan]

They cant yes, but I feel angry at this and so Shoiab and Many Pakistanis and they have a right to vent.

But we should vent at the players who broke the rules for example hafeez has broke the rules multiple times am not saying he broke it this time thou

 

[Arsal_AK]

Shoaib talking nonsense as usual.

Pakistan might be a big team in his eyes, but New Zealand have shown us our aukaat by warning us that if we don’t mend our ways we will kick you out.

They would have never dared to threaten a big 3 team in this fashion.

You don’t get to decide your level. Others do.

Furthermore, Pakistan does need to be on good terms with NZC in order to coerce them to tour.

Wasim also showed how clueless and incompetent he is by explicitly using the words “final warning”. There was no need of it.

He has once again proved how big of a disaster he is.

This isn't from NZC but from the NZ government. They would have done the same with everyone. You think that after months of extreme care, they would tolerate the risk of community spread just because the spreaders are from India or England? Yeah right.

Shoaib is talking nonsense but some of your posts these days aren't far behind.

 

[Hasan123]

Exactly they should been warned but maybe should have kept it low key

It should not be low key. PCB and these players have risked covid19 spreading in a country that was free of it. Also New Zealand have guidelines which need to be followed. Someone has not followed them and they need to be warned that this behaviour is unacceptable.

 

[shariqnoor]

"The PCB should show some spine [Tagra hona chahiyay] - If I was in their place, I would have given a statement saying that if you dont like it, we wont play and go back, we wont play for five years with you"

Lol. Thank God he isn't the PCB Chairman. You don't end relations over these things. In the end Pakistan would suffer, not NZ. India already doesn't play with you. You have bad relations with Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Now you want to cut yourself off from NZ as well? What NZ did was absolute rubbish but the fact of the matter is that the protocols were breached by Pakistanis so the fault ultimately lies at our end.

However, PCB should've been more forceful and ensured that this breach of protocol was dealt entirely in private. There was no need for NZ to go public. Never in a million years would NZ have the guts to do this against India, England or Australia. But they chose to pick on Pakistan. Pakistan and PCB needs to develop some self-esteem and ensure no country can humiliate them like this.

 

[El Generico]

Shoaib talking nonsense as usual.

Pakistan might be a big team in his eyes, but New Zealand have shown us our aukaat by warning us that if we don’t mend our ways we will kick you out.

They would have never dared to threaten a big 3 team in this fashion.

You don’t get to decide your level. Others do.

Furthermore, Pakistan does need to be on good terms with NZC in order to coerce them to tour.

Wasim also showed how clueless and incompetent he is by explicitly using the words “final warning”. There was no need of it.

He has once again proved how big of a disaster he is.

The NZ government would have backed down in front of the big 3? Had no idea that some cricket boards were so strong that the NZ PM and government would have been scared of them.

 

[Rana]

The NZ government would have backed down in front of the big 3? Had no idea that some cricket boards were so strong that the NZ PM and government would have been scared of them.

Jacinda Arden is no nonsense tbf to her

 

[Bhaijaan]

Pakistanis are not patriots by heart. They are more leaning towards religion but to me they generally do not seem to really feel or care about what being a Pakistani means.

In this regard, i always found Shoaib Akhtar to be an exception as he has shown time and again that regardless of his unflattering disciplinary record he has never compromised on his or Pakistan's respect. Even as an Indian i respected when he put one of our TV anchors in his place when he behaved unprofessionally with Shoaib after India had beaten Pakistan in a cricket match.

I don't care about which country you are and how good you are doing but i am never going to let you trash my country like that. These are not some under-14 kids that have travelled to NZ on a school trip. This is the senior men's cricket team from one of the greatest ever cricketing nations, and one who's won a world cup instead of losing 4-5 times in finals, only being good enough to take home spirit of cricket like Mickey mouse awards.

When Pakistan tours you, you respect that team and you respect that great cricketing nation. That's what being good hosts is all about. Despite the animosity, India has always rolled out the red carpet for Pakistan cricket team every time they have toured us and i say proudly that Pakistanis do us one better when we tour them. They give us the respect and love when we tour them.

NZ's officials who have gone public with these silly statements have only show ased to the world how ignorant and arrogant they are.

These are tough times. People are catching and spreading Covid despite their best actions and intentions.

No, shut up about touring NZ being a privilege, it is Pakistan team which is doing a favour for being brave enough to be touring out of the comfort of their homes for the sake of cricketing economy. They deserve some respect. Just because they don't talk English well enough to take a stand for themselves, you can't trash talk them and take their silence for granted.

My utmost respect to Shoaib for taking a stand on this matter, this is coming from a proud Indian.

..and i am sorry but all those Pakistanis who are accepting this nonsense from NZ officials and are badmouthing their own team, i pity you, i pity Pakistan, for having such shallow u patriotic citizens.

If this was India, the NZ envoy would have already been made to apologize for this and i don't even like the direction my country is going in. Things are terrible here right now and we have a stupid government, but you can bet to your last dollar, this is not the stuff our people will ever take from anybody.

Peace out.

#AsianBloc

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

They are in New Zealand, not in Pakistan where anything seems to go regarding Covid-19.

If they can't follow New Zealand's rules, come home and do whatever you want in the streets of Lahore, Pindi or Karachi.

Well said NZC - make an example of these buffoons.

OTT @Saj.

It's happening in every sport almost everyday all around the world - mid competition.

People are in the end humans - and make mistakes.

We make many mistakes at work everyday - and I am pretty sure 90% of the people on PP drop protocols from time to time. it's near on impossible - you have household help at home, you have relatives coming in, you have groceries to do and what not. It's been 9 months.

Yes these cricketers have a bigger responsibility - but they are young. Like sportsmen and women are young all around the world and get silly sometimes. Particularly many of these cricketers who do not have the freedoms we enjoy and who have spent months in near imprisonment.

They are not buffoons - they are our cricketers. We just have higher expectations of everyone other than ourselves. It is shameful we put them on the stake at the first opportunity.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

A bit emotional but he makes important points.

NZ authorities and Wasim Khan have lost a lot of points for being incompetent, stupid and opportunistic at their respective jobs.

Well done Shoaib.

There is absolutely no need to be apologetic for Pakistan team. Now go out there and give them a hiding.

As a neutral Indian fan, I do agree with Shoaib here. I hope this adds spice to the test series.
I think issue is cultural differences. West doesn't have the culture of hospitality like us desi people. In India/Pak, touring teams are treated like Gods. There are many informal events (dinners, travel etc) organised by BCCI for touring teams. However, I have never seen Australia/England return the favor. Indian cricketers talk about great hospitality received in Pakistan but never any other country. I don't think BCCI/PCB would have made a public statement like this if case were reversed.

 

[El Generico]

Jacinda Arden is no nonsense tbf to her

But according to [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] , she would have been so terrified of India and the big 3 that she would have forsaken all her COVID regulations and kept quiet.

I guess the fear of BCCI would have made her forget about her country and their well-being lol.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

As a neutral Indian fan, I do agree with Shoaib here. I hope this adds spice to the test series.
I think issue is cultural differences. West doesn't have the culture of hospitality like us desi people. In India/Pak, touring teams are treated like Gods. There are many informal events (dinners, travel etc) organised by BCCI for touring teams. However, I have never seen Australia/England return the favor. Indian cricketers talk about great hospitality received in Pakistan but never any other country. I don't think BCCI/PCB would have made a public statement like this if case were reversed.

Thank you [MENTION=143982]Cric_lover4487[/MENTION] for being generous and for sticking your neck out. I agree. While indiscretions happen, dialing them up to this level is a bit over the top.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

They are in New Zealand, not in Pakistan where anything seems to go regarding Covid-19.

If they can't follow New Zealand's rules, come home and do whatever you want in the streets of Lahore, Pindi or Karachi.

Well said NZC - make an example of these buffoons.

This is actually a bigger problem.

If the team is sent back home, I guarantee you, the gullible still won't learn.

 

[CricketingMinds]

A very angry Shoaib Akhtar speaking on his YouTube:

"A very below the belt thing has been said about the Pakistan team, saying that if SOPs are not correctly followed then the tour will be cancelled"

"The message I wish to give to NZC is that this [Pakistan] team is not some club team - this is the national team of Pakistan"

"How can you say that you will cancel the tour of a national team? Bhai we dont need you, our cricket is not dying and we arent desperate [for money] that you can say this tour will be stopped"

"You are getting the money for broadcasting rights, we wont get anything so you should be indebted to us that we are coming over at such a tough time and doing this for you"

[Speaking about the video that was shot on the flight]

"Let me say to our guys who made the video that there were other people on the flight in business class and you had masks below your nose line; You put players at risk and if you did make the video, whats the point of putting it on social media?"

"When the tour of England was organized, players were sent on chartered flights - but this time, first you went to Dubai, then to Kuala Lumpur, and then to Auckland; Does your brain [PCB] not work that you could have organized a chartered flight?"

"Why not think about signing such agreements about 3 day quarantine which is like imprisonment, lets see if Ehsan Mani would like to be imprisoned like that"

"You sent 54 people but cant spend some money on chartered flights? Get chartered flight to say Hong Kong and then proceed from there"

"They should have asked NZC to let Pakistan stay separate; A journalist has been told that when the waiter came to serve food his mask had slipped down"

"If the boys are going in the lobby so what? They arent serving a rigorous prison tem are they?"

"Why have you put our boys in a hotel where the rest of the world is also staying?"

"I am very angry about how they have threatened us - You are talking about Pakistan - the greatest nation on this planet"

"So be careful what you say next time [to NZ] - this is a country team you are talking about"

"Pakistan should give NZ a good hiding - starting with T20Is although in Tests, we dont know what will happen"

"If this Corona thing had happened in my playing days, I would have said laanat on this and not played at all"

"I am deeply hurt and angry that the New Zealand minister has given this statement - they should think about what they are saying"

"The PCB should show some spine [Tagra hona chahiyay] - If I was in their place, I would have given a statement saying that if you dont like it, we wont play and go back, we wont play for five years with you"

"And these PCB people, they dont know how to talk - just stand around looking meek

Goes down as possibly the stupidest thing Akhtar has said *facepalm*

No wonder if the "heroes" our cricketers that look up to don't take Corona seriously, then that's why our current crop of cricketers are not taking it seriously either.

Also, this mindset is NOT a cricket problem, this is a country-level problem.

 

[Major]

shoaib is a buffon.

We have made this pandemic a joke, we think its ok to roam around and making everyones health a risk. NZ are not buffons like us.

Btw, the tests done in Pakistan are just dramabazi. No one isolates here, you can get tested and than meet other people before even boarding the plane.

anyways, could statement by NZ, showed the real auqaat of this country.

 

[Giannis]

shoaib is a buffon.

We have made this pandemic a joke, we think its ok to roam around and making everyones health a risk. NZ are not buffons like us.

Btw, the tests done in Pakistan are just dramabazi. No one isolates here, you can get tested and than meet other people before even boarding the plane.

anyways, could statement by NZ, showed the real auqaat of this country.

They were literally not roaming around, they were going into each others hotel rooms. These guys are literally teammates part of the SAME biosecure bubble, they were literally tested before going there. Just imagine quarantining from your own family in the same residence despite passing a covid test recently. Y'all don't understand, NZC is over reacting.

 

[Saj]

OTT @Saj.

It's happening in every sport almost everyday all around the world - mid competition.

People are in the end humans - and make mistakes.

We make many mistakes at work everyday - and I am pretty sure 90% of the people on PP drop protocols from time to time. it's near on impossible - you have household help at home, you have relatives coming in, you have groceries to do and what not. It's been 9 months.

Yes these cricketers have a bigger responsibility - but they are young. Like sportsmen and women are young all around the world and get silly sometimes. Particularly many of these cricketers who do not have the freedoms we enjoy and who have spent months in near imprisonment.

They are not buffoons - they are our cricketers. We just have higher expectations of everyone other than ourselves. It is shameful we put them on the stake at the first opportunity.

No gambling with a life and death scenario.

The rules are there, if you can't follow them then don't play professional sport and stay at home.

Any player could have opted out of this tour if they wanted to. Nobody held a gun to their heads to force them to go to New Zealand.

 

[Major]

They were literally not roaming around, they were going into each others hotel rooms. These guys are literally teammates part of the SAME biosecure bubble, they were literally tested before going there. Just imagine quarantining from your own family in the same residence despite passing a covid test recently. Y'all don't understand, NZC is over reacting.

no one is saying they cant socialize with each other.

Problem is in Pakistan. You can get tested and roam around here.

Haris Rauf was roaming around pindi/isb before he departed for England.

these guys think that they can get 1 negative and its allright, what they dont understand that after getting a negative they can contract the virus after meeting people.

 

[Saj]

This is actually a bigger problem.

If the team is sent back home, I guarantee you, the gullible still won't learn.

Of course they won't. They never will until something very serious happens.

 

[Giannis]

Jacinda Arden is no nonsense tbf to her

Nah she's a clown, even when the mainstream media was obsessed with pushing the narrative of her being some great progressive leader after the Christchurch massacre in her country, I wasn't buying it. They were also adoring her for some kinda great achievement of "beating covid" in a new zealand.

 

[Major]

OTT @Saj.

It's happening in every sport almost everyday all around the world - mid competition.

People are in the end humans - and make mistakes.

We make many mistakes at work everyday - and I am pretty sure 90% of the people on PP drop protocols from time to time. it's near on impossible - you have household help at home, you have relatives coming in, you have groceries to do and what not. It's been 9 months.

Yes these cricketers have a bigger responsibility - but they are young. Like sportsmen and women are young all around the world and get silly sometimes. Particularly many of these cricketers who do not have the freedoms we enjoy and who have spent months in near imprisonment.

They are not buffoons - they are our cricketers. We just have higher expectations of everyone other than ourselves. It is shameful we put them on the stake at the first opportunity.

had this been smoll pox, you wouldnt be allowed to make such small mistakes.


These people have travelled to a country which has controlled the virus very well. Any mistake made by any person could cost badly.

 

[shamaan]

It should not be low key. PCB and these players have risked covid19 spreading in a country that was free of it. Also New Zealand have guidelines which need to be followed. Someone has not followed them and they need to be warned that this behaviour is unacceptable.

I think it should have been low key.but if the players who have done it before need to be first plane back to Pakistan after the 14 does quarantine anyone who has done it once should be fined or even removed from the squad its unacceptable

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Pakistanis are not patriots by heart. They are more leaning towards religion but to me they generally do not seem to really feel or care about what being a Pakistani means.

In this regard, i always found Shoaib Akhtar to be an exception as he has shown time and again that regardless of his unflattering disciplinary record he has never compromised on his or Pakistan's respect. Even as an Indian i respected when he put one of our TV anchors in his place when he behaved unprofessionally with Shoaib after India had beaten Pakistan in a cricket match.

I don't care about which country you are and how good you are doing but i am never going to let you trash my country like that. These are not some under-14 kids that have travelled to NZ on a school trip. This is the senior men's cricket team from one of the greatest ever cricketing nations, and one who's won a world cup instead of losing 4-5 times in finals, only being good enough to take home spirit of cricket like Mickey mouse awards.

When Pakistan tours you, you respect that team and you respect that great cricketing nation. That's what being good hosts is all about. Despite the animosity, India has always rolled out the red carpet for Pakistan cricket team every time they have toured us and i say proudly that Pakistanis do us one better when we tour them. They give us the respect and love when we tour them.

NZ's officials who have gone public with these silly statements have only show ased to the world how ignorant and arrogant they are.

These are tough times. People are catching and spreading Covid despite their best actions and intentions.

No, shut up about touring NZ being a privilege, it is Pakistan team which is doing a favour for being brave enough to be touring out of the comfort of their homes for the sake of cricketing economy. They deserve some respect. Just because they don't talk English well enough to take a stand for themselves, you can't trash talk them and take their silence for granted.

My utmost respect to Shoaib for taking a stand on this matter, this is coming from a proud Indian.

..and i am sorry but all those Pakistanis who are accepting this nonsense from NZ officials and are badmouthing their own team, i pity you, i pity Pakistan, for having such shallow u patriotic citizens.

If this was India, the NZ envoy would have already been made to apologize for this and i don't even like the direction my country is going in. Things are terrible here right now and we have a stupid government, but you can bet to your last dollar, this is not the stuff our people will ever take from anybody.

Peace out.

#AsianBloc

I can make some sweeping statements about how Indians feel about their country too but I will refrain because it is inane to make such statements from the outside.

Pakistanis are plenty patriotic, like any other country's citizens.

They are just built differently. Infinite amount of tolerance and patience with mistakes, boundless forgiveness levels, unlimited generosity. Also undue deference to authority, useless hero worship etc. Finding humor in the most difficult of situations. Taking undue risks because why not. My theory is a lot of it comes from Pakistan's sufi past - all about music and love and tolerance and what not.

Which nation will forgive people who looted your country, but one look at their sad faces, and the whole country turns. It's just the way we are.

I think that leads to laxity in decision making. They did not set out to sell their country. Neither did Mo Salah or Novak Djokovic (who makes poor decisions more than most) or Diego Maradona or the Barbarians or the MLB players or the NFL players.

It's a mistake. Chill. Happens.

Don't judge Pakistan by your whatsapps.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

No gambling with a life and death scenario.

The rules are there, if you can't follow them then don't play professional sport and stay at home.

Any player could have opted out of this tour if they wanted to. Nobody held a gun to their heads to force them to go to New Zealand.

Nobody held a gun to Mo Salah's head or Djokovic's head either. Yet they made mistakes. Or the players in various sport who are testing positive from time to time in active competitions. Liverpool is bending all kinds of rules to get Mo Salah back in.

I find many angles of such kinds of discussions pretty grey.

This one is not. It's black and white.

You are wrong on this @Saj. You are judging them on standards far higher than you yourself may be able to uphold in their place.

 

[RyanRyan10]

Pakistanis are not patriots by heart. They are more leaning towards religion but to me they generally do not seem to really feel or care about what being a Pakistani means.

In this regard, i always found Shoaib Akhtar to be an exception as he has shown time and again that regardless of his unflattering disciplinary record he has never compromised on his or Pakistan's respect. Even as an Indian i respected when he put one of our TV anchors in his place when he behaved unprofessionally with Shoaib after India had beaten Pakistan in a cricket match.

I don't care about which country you are and how good you are doing but i am never going to let you trash my country like that. These are not some under-14 kids that have travelled to NZ on a school trip. This is the senior men's cricket team from one of the greatest ever cricketing nations, and one who's won a world cup instead of losing 4-5 times in finals, only being good enough to take home spirit of cricket like Mickey mouse awards.

When Pakistan tours you, you respect that team and you respect that great cricketing nation. That's what being good hosts is all about. Despite the animosity, India has always rolled out the red carpet for Pakistan cricket team every time they have toured us and i say proudly that Pakistanis do us one better when we tour them. They give us the respect and love when we tour them.

NZ's officials who have gone public with these silly statements have only show ased to the world how ignorant and arrogant they are.

These are tough times. People are catching and spreading Covid despite their best actions and intentions.

No, shut up about touring NZ being a privilege, it is Pakistan team which is doing a favour for being brave enough to be touring out of the comfort of their homes for the sake of cricketing economy. They deserve some respect. Just because they don't talk English well enough to take a stand for themselves, you can't trash talk them and take their silence for granted.

My utmost respect to Shoaib for taking a stand on this matter, this is coming from a proud Indian.

..and i am sorry but all those Pakistanis who are accepting this nonsense from NZ officials and are badmouthing their own team, i pity you, i pity Pakistan, for having such shallow u patriotic citizens.

If this was India, the NZ envoy would have already been made to apologize for this and i don't even like the direction my country is going in. Things are terrible here right now and we have a stupid government, but you can bet to your last dollar, this is not the stuff our people will ever take from anybody.

Peace out.

#AsianBloc

Agree with you Bhaijaan

Shoaib is always misunderstood by fans here. He is the most patriotic Pakistani I have seen. That Star Sports host was Jatin Sapru.

However, most Pakistanis don't remember this. They bashed him for making some light jokes on a comedy show.

His criticism on budzil management is percieved as him doing these things to get a job.

Now again when Pakistan team was getting humiliated from everywhere., he was the first one to take a stand for them.

But still we see most Pakistan fans here badmouthing him and the team.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

had this been smoll pox, you wouldnt be allowed to make such small mistakes.


These people have travelled to a country which has controlled the virus very well. Any mistake made by any person could cost badly.

Yes got it. And thoroughly covered above. It's a mistake. Happens. It's happening all around the world in sport and outside.

Look at politicians doing rallies and world leaders testing positive. Many are doing it deliberately.

This was not deliberate, just silly. Could have been dangerous. A slap on the wrist is in order.

But not in public, not with this much talking down to a country's team, not with so much acceptance. And not with their own countrymen turning on their team - when none of them is wearing a mask.

 

[moghul]

Surprised to see some people blaming NZL for going public on the stupidity committed by Pakistani players. NZL is a "normal" country and they don't put serious public health matters under the carpet.

Shoaib was a great bowler but whenever he speaks, he doesn;t make any sense. Wish his youtube channel was banned , utter non-sense all the time .

 

[kingusama92]

"The PCB should show some spine [Tagra hona chahiyay] - If I was in their place, I would have given a statement saying that if you dont like it, we wont play and go back, we wont play for five years with you"

If the PCB did this, NZ would have told them to pack their bags and leave.

This is why only some are cut out for management positions.

 

[Saj]

The warning will not have come directly from NZC, rather the New Zealand Government.

Anyone blaming NZC solely needs to re-think.

 

[globalcitizen]

Covid has had a devastating effect on not just health but also on economy. In these circumstances if any outbreak happened in NZ , will Pakistan take responsibility and compensate them?
Rules and protocols are there for a reason and it’s your responsibility to adhere it and not flout it with gay abandon.
Also it now raises question about testing happening in Pakistan , it might be giving many false negatives and authorities might be ignoring them

 

[Saj]

Nobody held a gun to Mo Salah's head or Djokovic's head either. Yet they made mistakes. Or the players in various sport who are testing positive from time to time in active competitions. Liverpool is bending all kinds of rules to get Mo Salah back in.

I find many angles of such kinds of discussions pretty grey.

This one is not. It's black and white.

You are wrong on this @Saj. You are judging them on standards far higher than you yourself may be able to uphold in their place.

The standards are there for all. Nobody is treating the Pakistani players any harshly than anyone else.

The standard for all is common sense and this is a life and death situation and should not be taken lightly.

The CCTV footage that the NZ authorities have mentioned could make uncomfortable viewing for the PCB. Perhaps those defending the players need to see it.

I'm comfortable with my opinion on this, you don't have to agree.

 

[IMMY69]

Shoaib talking nonsense as usual.

Pakistan might be a big team in his eyes, but New Zealand have shown us our aukaat by warning us that if we don’t mend our ways we will kick you out.

They would have never dared to threaten a big 3 team in this fashion.

You don’t get to decide your level. Others do.

Furthermore, Pakistan does need to be on good terms with NZC in order to coerce them to tour.

Wasim also showed how clueless and incompetent he is by explicitly using the words “final warning”. There was no need of it.

He has once again proved how big of a disaster he is.

NZ has a population of around 5 million.

That's all
I don't need to say anything else. Everyone knows what you're about.

 

[IMMY69]

If selection to the national team was on the basis that players had to pass an IQ test, then I'm afraid we probably wouldn't get 11 cricketers on the field.

 

[moghul]

If selection to the national team was on the basis that players had to pass an IQ test, then I'm afraid we probably wouldn't get 11 cricketers on the field.

We would have missed 161 km/h delivery then. I'm glad no IQ requirement.

 

[Rana]

Nah she's a clown, even when the mainstream media was obsessed with pushing the narrative of her being some great progressive leader after the Christchurch massacre in her country, I wasn't buying it. They were also adoring her for some kinda great achievement of "beating covid" in a new zealand.

BCCI cannot get there way with Quarantine rules in Australia, they stand no chance against Jacinda “Great” Arden. Everything she does is to look great. She definitely is no nonsense for her own greatness

 

[world cup captain]

This is a perfectly reasonable reaction from NZ government. Simply because the Pakistani team is visiting NZ to play cricket does not grant Pakistani players immunity from the rules. We're not talking about some teens playing gully cricket. These "professional" players are representing their country and are compensated for their time. If they cannot follow the team rules, then they should be kicked out like Sami Aslam was for cheating his diet.

 

[Mamoon]

There is nothing that Pakistani cricketers and fans say that surprises me anymore.

We are the most unprofessional cricket team in the world with the most delusional, entitled set of supporters.

What Intikhab Alam said about Pakistani players 10 years ago holds true to this date.

There is no doubt in my mind that the cricket world would be better off without us.

We bring nothing but trouble.

 

[Bouncer]

Shoaib talking nonsense as usual.

Pakistan might be a big team in his eyes, but New Zealand have shown us our aukaat by warning us that if we don’t mend our ways we will kick you out.

They would have never dared to threaten a big 3 team in this fashion.

You don’t get to decide your level. Others do.

Furthermore, Pakistan does need to be on good terms with NZC in order to coerce them to tour.

Wasim also showed how clueless and incompetent he is by explicitly using the words “final warning”. There was no need of it.

He has once again proved how big of a disaster he is.

You along with many others who have known him for a while know it all the world that he does not care about this issue other than this is a great opportunity for him though.

He knows homies don't like him, homies include an average cricket fan and also many ex cricketers Who have social media presence but they don't have the same level of fan following that he does especially from neighboring country, Heck he even did that without even trying to promote his name on social media in Hindi (which is what another desperate attention seeking ex skipper did for a long time), so this is an opportunity for him to score some brownie points with the Pakistani people Who are angry at him because he says nice thing about Indian cricketers and Indian cricket on his YouTube channel.

This is an opportunity for him to show up as someone who is openly defending his country's honor, calling out on New Zealand for their badtameezi, and disrespect that they have shown his great nation.

This will help him soften his image as someone who is very Pakistani and people should forget that he praises neighbor.


You also have to understand that he was turned down for a job within PCB so this is also a very blatant job at PCB and criticizing them for showing a bit of softness when they should be bit more daleyyr and badtameez in response to NZ authorities.

 

[Heisenberg111]

There is nothing that Pakistani cricketers and fans say that surprises me anymore.

We are the most unprofessional cricket team in the world with the most delusional, entitled set of supporters.

What Intikhab Alam said about Pakistani players 10 years ago holds true to this date.

There is no doubt in my mind that the cricket world would be better off without us.

We bring nothing but trouble.

Agreed, Pakistan should leave cricket and put us all out of this misery.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Akhtar is Akhtar after all.

 

[kingusama92]

Shoaib Akhtar was my favourite Pakistani cricketer growing up.

But ever since he started his Youtube channel, it's become quite obvious why chairmen, coaches, and players disliked him.

"If this Corona thing had happened in my playing days, I would have said laanat on this and not played at all"

This is great as Youtube content, but dealing with him in the locker room must have been a headache. There are so many stories of him doing and saying nonsensical stuff during his playing days.

These things are hard to tolerate and he used to throw similar temper tantrums while playing too. I can imagine how difficult this was and have a newfound appreciation for those who somehow reeled him in.

 

[Giannis]

This is a perfectly reasonable reaction from NZ government. Simply because the Pakistani team is visiting NZ to play cricket does not grant Pakistani players immunity from the rules. We're not talking about some teens playing gully cricket. These "professional" players are representing their country and are compensated for their time. If they cannot follow the team rules, then they should be kicked out like Sami Aslam was for cheating his diet.

Except they didn't break any rules, you're allowed to interact with your teammates within the biosecure bubble.

 

[kingusama92]

Except they didn't break any rules, you're allowed to interact with your teammates within the biosecure bubble.

They caught them on CCTV footage breaking the biosecure bubble rules.

 

[Abdullah719]

My message to Shoaib Akhtar is Wear a mask.

 

[Rana]

They caught them on CCTV footage breaking the biosecure bubble rules.

That means they were hanging out with New Zealander’s?

 

[kingusama92]

That means they were hanging out with New Zealander’s?

No clue.

I'm assuming they were either interacting with New Zealanders, not wearing face masks outside their rooms, and/or literally moving outside the bubble boundary.

Saj likely knows more but from his posts today it's clear the players are at fault. They messed up.

 

[Space Cat]

NZ government is very strict on Covid regulations that should of been obvious already with what happened when the Windies arrived.

A lot of people here lost their jobs because of Covid restrictions and are not happy seeing international sports teams flaunting them so the government would only lose creditabilty if they were silent on this.

Pakistan tour is very important to NZ cricket fans but the other 95% of the countrys population could not care less if a tour was canceled.

The reaction was completely justified.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Shoaib talking nonsense as usual.

Pakistan might be a big team in his eyes, but New Zealand have shown us our aukaat by warning us that if we don’t mend our ways we will kick you out.

They would have never dared to threaten a big 3 team in this fashion.

You don’t get to decide your level. Others do.

Furthermore, Pakistan does need to be on good terms with NZC in order to coerce them to tour.

Wasim also showed how clueless and incompetent he is by explicitly using the words “final warning”. There was no need of it.

He has once again proved how big of a disaster he is.

Dragging Big 3 here is nothing but a way to brag about your favorite team. It's idiotic to say the least here just like Shoaib has done.

NZ is the only country free of COVID19, and they should be worried if any foreigner is testing positive on their land. Regardless of citizenship, they would have told Big 3 the same.
It's not getting better with the masala media we have here.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Is Shoaib kidding? I'll reiterate what I said in another thread.

By your violation of clearly laid out procedure of your host country, you are, as guests, enabling the possible spread of a highly contagious virus that, if it actually spreads, could lead to billions of dollars of loss, not to say potentially thousands of deaths, to the host country.

And Shoaib claims he is disturbed, if not angry, at NZ establishment's response? Are you kidding?

This isn't Mickey Mouse stuff we're talking about, Shoaib. So 'izzat' doesn't come into it.

Completely parochial, emotional, childish response that fails to address a core issue, denies all responsibility
and blames everyone else.

Want to be treated like an adult? Then behave like one.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

Is Shoaib kidding? I'll reiterate what I said in another thread.

By your violation of clearly laid out procedure of your host country, you are, as guests, enabling the possible spread of a highly contagious virus that, if it actually spreads, could lead to billions of dollars of loss, not to say potentially thousands of deaths, to the host country.

And Shoaib claims he is disturbed, if not angry, at NZ establishment's response? Are you kidding?

This isn't Mickey Mouse stuff we're talking about, Shoaib. So 'izzat' doesn't come into it.

Completely parochial, emotional, childish response that fails to address a core issue, denies all responsibility
and blames everyone else.

Want to be treated like an adult? Then behave like one.

Regardless of all this drama, I pray for early recovery of all Pak cricketers. It would be great if PCB could update us with the status. Losing a player by Covid is the last news i need to hear. It will end international cricket for atleast 1 year or so.

 

[Snowflake]

While Shoaib talks rubbish 99% of the times, he makes a valid point here. I'd like to see NZ warn Aus/Eng/India the same way. This was highly unprofessional and disrespectful. Final warning before they send us home? They aren't doing us a favor in hosting us! If anything, it's the other way round.

And before anyone tells me that we brought it upon ourselves, realize that travelling during these times is HIGHLY risky!!! We've had two events without any incident, so no need to jump the gun on the players here. While they were stupid to break minor protocols, it is not surprising that some got infected when the virus is spreading like wildfire.

That reaction from NZ was uncalled for. Shoaib is right. You do not warn your guests who have taken a high risk trip to your country, a trip from which you stand to earn. PCB needs to convey that to NZC and remind them that they really aren't in a position to **** other boards off.

 

[Space Cat]

While Shoaib talks rubbish 99% of the times, he makes a valid point here. I'd like to see NZ warn Aus/Eng/India the same way. This was highly unprofessional and disrespectful. Final warning before they send us home? They aren't doing us a favor in hosting us! If anything, it's the other way round.

And before anyone tells me that we brought it upon ourselves, realize that travelling during these times is HIGHLY risky!!! We've had two events without any incident, so no need to jump the gun on the players here. While they were stupid to break minor protocols, it is not surprising that some got infected when the virus is spreading like wildfire.

That reaction from NZ was uncalled for. Shoaib is right. You do not warn your guests who have taken a high risk trip to your country, a trip from which you stand to earn. PCB needs to convey that to NZC and remind them that they really aren't in a position to **** other boards off.

We have fined Indian team members for bringing dirt in on their cricket spikes through airports. The NZ government would not hesitate to warn any nation for covid related violations.

If you think the NZ cricket board has any say over NZ border security you are dreaming.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

While Shoaib talks rubbish 99% of the times, he makes a valid point here. I'd like to see NZ warn Aus/Eng/India the same way. This was highly unprofessional and disrespectful. Final warning before they send us home? They aren't doing us a favor in hosting us! If anything, it's the other way round.

And before anyone tells me that we brought it upon ourselves, realize that travelling during these times is HIGHLY risky!!! We've had two events without any incident, so no need to jump the gun on the players here. While they were stupid to break minor protocols, it is not surprising that some got infected when the virus is spreading like wildfire.

That reaction from NZ was uncalled for. Shoaib is right. You do not warn your guests who have taken a high risk trip to your country, a trip from which you stand to earn. PCB needs to convey that to NZC and remind them that they really aren't in a position to **** other boards off.

I don't understand. Pak successfully toured England recently. Howcome, suddenly they forgot to follow protocols and rules? I don't think current Pak cricketers: Babar, Abid Ali, Naseem, Rizwan etc are drama queens. They look very professional to me. Never heard of any disciplinary issues from their side so far.

 

[tyron_woodley]

While Shoaib talks rubbish 99% of the times, he makes a valid point here. I'd like to see NZ warn Aus/Eng/India the same way. This was highly unprofessional and disrespectful. Final warning before they send us home? They aren't doing us a favor in hosting us! If anything, it's the other way round.

And before anyone tells me that we brought it upon ourselves, realize that travelling during these times is HIGHLY risky!!! We've had two events without any incident, so no need to jump the gun on the players here. While they were stupid to break minor protocols, it is not surprising that some got infected when the virus is spreading like wildfire.

That reaction from NZ was uncalled for. Shoaib is right. You do not warn your guests who have taken a high risk trip to your country, a trip from which you stand to earn. PCB needs to convey that to NZC and remind them that they really aren't in a position to **** other boards off.

N.z need to flatlined. Let's go Pakistan. Deflate them.

 

[Snowflake]

We have fined Indian team members for bringing dirt in on their cricket spikes through airports. The NZ government would not hesitate to warn any nation for covid related violations.

If you think the NZ cricket board has any say over NZ border security you are dreaming.

Not saying what the Pak players did wasn't wrong. If they broke protocol, they deserve to be punished for that. However, there is a certain way to do these things, especially when a touring party is doing you a favor my traveling in a highly risky atmosphere.

You do not treat them as if you are doing them a favor. To say that we'll send them home is highly disrespectful. This could've been handled much more professionally