"NZ just killed Pakistan cricket" : Shoaib Akhtar

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NZ just killed Pakistan cricket </p>— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1438820381075324932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also speaking on his YouTube:

“New Zealand cricket team has been in Islamabad for the past four to five days and they were staying under foolproof security. But all of a sudden they took this decision after getting some intelligence reports. These security alerts are always there but you have to trust Pakistan as one of the safe heavens in the world. Our ISI and law enforcement agencies are working relentlessly to ensure peace"

“They should have trusted our intelligence and not embarrass us like this. It would have been better if you had decided against touring Pakistan altogether. Leaving the tour like this will give bad name to Pakistan. Security threat is everywhere in the world so you should have trusted our security system"

“Pakistan cricket is in a bad state right now…my heart goes out to PCB. Ramiz Raja has just come but he has faced such a massive glitch, my heart goes out to him too. I can see some bad times for Pakistan ahead"

“It’s time to turn this embarrassment into courage and win the T20 World Cup. We should be focused on that now,

 

[MenInG]

Shoaib Akhtar right about start for Ramiz - big test for him now.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Following points for New Zealand to remember: <br><br>° 9 Pakistanis were killed in the Christchurch attack. <br><br>° Pakistan stood strong with New Zealand.<br><br>° Pakistan toured New Zealand in the worst of Covid circumstances regardless of the crude treatment by NZ authorities on that tour.</p>— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1438831102802776064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">° This was just an unverified threat, it could have been discussed. <br><br>° Prime Minister Imran Khan personally spoke to his NZ counterpart and assured but it was still refused. <br><br>° Pakistan has safely hosted South Africa, Bangladesh, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe & PSL.</p>— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1438832554417737731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[dravidthewall]

Win the worldcup and show the world.

 

[Rana]

Win the worldcup and show the world.

What did Winning the 2009wc and 2017ct show the world?

People may have ‘5 eyes’ but they are still blind as...

 

[ExpressPacer]

What did Winning the 2009wc and 2017ct show the world?

People may have ‘5 eyes’ but they are still blind as...

Also became the Test No. 1 side as well as Asia Cup champions. These things don’t make any difference. You are 100% spot on brother. Nevertheless, we have worked hard for our security in Pakistan and will reap the rewards.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Western countries will have to answer for their arrogance one day. Not having bilateral relations is better than humiliating another democratic sovereign nation like this. I hope Akhtar's words don't come true but it's a really bad situation

Pakistani cricketers are some of the friendliest on earth, they don't deserve any of this. I am really upset atm

 

[sweep_shot]

New Zealand have done great damage to Pakistan cricket with this pullout. No doubt.

But, I hope things will get better.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

I don't think this will do any damage don't worry. Just annoying to go through all that planning and they pull out just before the toss.

Never invite these people over again, ban them. Don't let their players play in PSL, stop giving them money when they are unable to reciprocate.

It wasn't even the fact they pulled out, its just how it was handled. Ban their players from PSL and make sure they never get a series again.

 

[Rana]

Western countries will have to answer for their arrogance one day. Not having bilateral relations is better than humiliating another democratic sovereign nation like this. I hope Akhtar's words don't come true but it's a really bad situation

Pakistani cricketers are some of the friendliest on earth, they don't deserve any of this. I am really upset atm

The sad thing is,

They will never answer for their arrogance in our lifetime

 

[Rana]

I don't think this will do any damage don't worry. Just annoying to go through all that planning and they pull out just before the toss.

Never invite these people over again, ban them. Don't let their players play in PSL, stop giving them money when they are unable to reciprocate.

It wasn't even the fact they pulled out, its just how it was handled. Ban their players from PSL and make sure they never get a series again.

But franchises need Munro, the most Vela Kiwi cricketer in history!

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

Win the worldcup and show the world.

Show the world what? Not like teams were lining up to face Pakistan after they won the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan can only show the world if they prove themselves to be a money-spinning juggernaut like India that other boards have no choice but to pander to.

 

[shaz619]

Unfortunately, he is right. Feel sorry for Pakistan fans, their cricket has been set back by years due to NZ. I hope the ECB can reverse some of that damage but there is a chance they could follow in the footsteps of NZ

 

[Mesozoic]

Over-reaction..

Nothing/No one can "kill" the no.1 sport by a distance in a country of 220 million.

 

[OMB]

Over-reaction..

Nothing/No one can "kill" the no.1 sport by a distance in a country of 220 million.

the game of cricket will also be the ultimate loser in all this. Just hope that English teams agree and cricket resumes again. New Zealand pull out sets a bad precedent.

 

[Aman]

Instead of pointing fingers at others, one should reflect on one self and ask why the world is afraid of going to Pakistan.

 

[Aman]

Show the world what? Not like teams were lining up to face Pakistan after they won the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan can only show the world if they prove themselves to be a money-spinning juggernaut like India that other boards have no choice but to pander to.

NZ and Aus aren't going to put money over the safety of their players. If there's any serious risk to their players, their governments are going to pull them out.

NZ already has set a precedent by forfeiting points due to security concerns to Kenya in a WC.

 

[OldWarHorse]

Nope..itll just slow down the Pakistan National Cricket team. International Cricket is anyways dire with so many boards struggling and honestly Pakistan werent really thriving as such.

Best for Pakistan to develop its local talent and big up the PSL. Make it the one that brings in the big bucks and catapult it to somewhat of a Cricketing powerhouse due to its finances, there is no other way.

International Cricketers will still come in as long as PCB doesnt burn any bridges with other boards, may not be the top names but T20 cricket is hardly about the names, every year a new star pops up in this format. Ultimately it will boil down to the local talent,.. if thats upto the mark, the league will thrive

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Instead of pointing fingers at others, one should reflect on one self and ask why the world is afraid of going to Pakistan.

Absolutely. When undertaking that excercise one should also reflect why kiwi troops are hundreds of miles away from home in Afghanistan and then ran away leaving the region in tatters.

Let me know what you learn from your reflections please. Hopefully it will teach you that the world is a complex place and you are being a complete idiot by attempting to reduce it to black and white.

 

[Yk313]

Over-reaction..

Nothing/No one can "kill" the no.1 sport by a distance in a country of 220 million.

This is Shoaib Akhtar sahab after all…

 

[zarak]

Instead of pointing fingers at others, one should reflect on one self and ask why the world is afraid of going to Pakistan.

Get off your high horse man.

 

[Aman]

Get off your high horse man.

Pakistan is the reason why Pakistan cricket is in the state it is. It's ridiculous to be blaming your problems on other teams. There's a reason why presidential security is required for teams to even remotely consider touring.

 

[Rajdeep]

Shoaib should have said - 'NZ just killed cricket in Pakistan'.

That is more accurate statement. Pak cricket will still survive but cricket in Pakistan wont. Not many teams willing to travel Pakistan from here on.

India is out of question.

NZ/Aus wont anytime in near future.

Eng will not either and I have doubts on SA/WI too.

BD/SL/Zimb may still tour but they would demand something big from PCB in return.

Everything was looking good but this support for Taliban has put Pak cricket back again where it was in 2009. No point blaming NZ now as it is Pak's foreign policy that is to be blamed. If Kiwis were dishonest, they would not have even travelled to Pakistan.

And what has supporting Taliban has given to Pakistan? Didnt Afghanistan cricket team also recently cancelled their series against Pakistan citing security concerns? Lol

Pak govt need to have a long hard look about which groups they want to support in future bcoz its only alienating Pakistan internationally.

I feel for genuine Pak cricket fans and even for PCB. But putting the blame on NZ is just running away from real problem.

 

[zarak]

Pakistan is the reason why Pakistan cricket is in the state it is. It's ridiculous to be blaming your problems on other teams. There's a reason why presidential security is required for teams to even remotely consider touring.

Sorry did a cricket team not narrowly escape death two years ago. Or have you forgotten.

 

[Zaz]

NZ and Aus aren't going to put money over the safety of their players. If there's any serious risk to their players, their governments are going to pull them out.

NZ already has set a precedent by forfeiting points due to security concerns to Kenya in a WC.

Yes they would If pcb had millions like the bcci on the table nz and aus would be dancing to their tune

Its all about the money with teams like aus and nz

 

[Gilly]

Yes they would If pcb had millions like the bcci on the table nz and aus would be dancing to their tune

Its all about the money with teams like aus and nz

So what is the driving force behind Pakistan cricket, is it money by any chance?.

 

[Slim]

Sri Lankan attack couldnt kill Pakistan cricket. This is nothing.

We will come out stronger! Its supremely frustrating but we need to keep pushing ahead.

 

[nextover666666]

Instead of pointing fingers at others, one should reflect on one self and ask why the world is afraid of going to Pakistan.

Are you indian who lives in New zealand just curious. At the same time I'm sure muslims who live in New zealand are afraid to live their lives too as well , shall we not forget what happened in Christchurch

 

[RyanRyan10]

Shoaib Akhtar should be made the PCB President. The PCB has been run by individuals who have failed to take strong stands.

 

[Titan24]

Damaged? yes but killed? No, as its NZ personal decision. Nothing Pak did wrong here unlike in 2009. Teams which have already toured will possibly still come and we will still see foreign players in PSL.

However, they have damaged the process of complete revival of cricket as this can have trigger down impact on Eng and Aus.

This forum is filled with a lot of quality posters but, I dont think a lot realize how important is to play cricket at home in order to produce stars as this is rarely part of the debate when people are criticizing Pak cricket. Not many cricket playing countries can survive 6-7 years of no home cricket.

Babar Azam was a young ball boy around the time Pak was hosting cricket before 2009. There are numerous youngsters who get involved with the game one way or another when cricket is happening on home grounds and Pak’s talent dearth in the last decade was highly impacted by this. Also lets be realistic, stars are formed by performing and having good stats and that all is mainly dependent upon home venues (look at the home and away stats of any legend).

Even recently look at the stats of Babar, Shaheen, Hassan at home, that confidence pf performing is something which is used as base to reach further in overseas conditions as well.

There aren’t much quality test playing nations anyways, so Pakistan will have to take a stand here and dont fall into that cycle of neutral venues for any team whether they want to tour or not. Less home cricket would still be better for cricket overall then any other option of venue. Otherwise I dont see Pak contributing much to world cricket which already has very few quality teams now a days other then random sparks of brilliance here and there along with oscillating in the mid table of rankings.

 

[Mamoon]

Yes they would If pcb had millions like the bcci on the table nz and aus would be dancing to their tune

Its all about the money with teams like aus and nz

Can you provide a list of teams that are not all about money?

 

[Hasan123]

The NZ government have certainly hurt our chances of hosting future tours in Pakistan.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Instead of pointing fingers at others, one should reflect on one self and ask why the world is afraid of going to Pakistan.

very true M8.
They can do a fewof things like
a) Find out what exactly caused the NZ govt to cancel the tour, what the threat was and work towards eliminating this, and possible others like this for the future.
b) use this as a motivation point and bang the stuffing out of the opponents and lift the world cup
c) Tell PM IK to have nothing to do with the taliban as that 'esteemed organisation' does not want women to represent afg and play the same game that he himself excelled in.
D) And most important - Self introspect. Stop the 'its always someone elses fault' gravy train in its tracks.

 

[Smbhayi]

Are you indian who lives in New zealand just curious. At the same time I'm sure muslims who live in New zealand are afraid to live their lives too as well , shall we not forget what happened in Christchurch

Lol he attacks India even more than Junaid..

 

[Aman]

very true M8.
They can do a fewof things like
a) Find out what exactly caused the NZ govt to cancel the tour, what the threat was and work towards eliminating this, and possible others like this for the future.
b) use this as a motivation point and bang the stuffing out of the opponents and lift the world cup
c) Tell PM IK to have nothing to do with the taliban as that 'esteemed organisation' does not want women to represent afg and play the same game that he himself excelled in.
D) And most important - Self introspect. Stop the 'its always someone elses fault' gravy train in its tracks.

This, they need to get out of this state of blaming the world for their problems. It's a toxic state of mind to have. The sooner they break free from it they can prosper and hopefully bring normalcy and cricket back to Pakistan.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Yes they would If pcb had millions like the bcci on the table nz and aus would be dancing to their tune

Its all about the money with teams like aus and nz

Except that teams never stopped touring India even when touring India had less financial incentives and we had our worst attack in 26/11.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

This, they need to get out of this state of blaming the world for their problems. It's a toxic state of mind to have. The sooner they break free from it they can prosper and hopefully bring normalcy and cricket back to Pakistan.

I can understand and feel the pain of the common cricket loving pak fan. Also that of several regulars on PP forum who were so looking fwd to this series.
Even accounting for the usual conspiracy and sifting past the emotional knee jerk reaction to such an event, what you've said is true, the mirror doesnt lie.

 

[zarak]

This, they need to get out of this state of blaming the world for their problems. It's a toxic state of mind to have. The sooner they break free from it they can prosper and hopefully bring normalcy and cricket back to Pakistan.

Why can it not be both. Demanding an explanation and also introspecting. We called someone to our home made arrangements for them. They were satisfied with them. Minutes before they ran away citing a threat they have not told us about. So what exactly shall we introspect? Onus is on NZ to tell us and then sure we can introspect until then don't say things like we are responsible for the mess. What mess? You ran away and left us dry with no explanation. Shameful since 2 years ago a cricket team was nearly wiped out in a terrorist attack.

 

[Saj]

Here's Inzi

"No country can do to another what New Zealand have done to Pakistan. They were our guests and if they had some issues they should have spoken to the PCB. Pakistan had been providing New Zealand with the best security. Since the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in 2009, we have given security to teams equivalent to that given to a visiting President,"

"ICC must step into this. Also, If New Zealand have some inputs related to security, why are they not showing it? If not to PCB, then at least show it to the ICC. Even our PM had spoken to them and given them assurances. If New Zealand had spoken to Pakistan about their concerns, the security agencies could definitely have looked into to. But just before the match they said, they cannot play because of some threat. I have full trust in Pakistan's security. At least let us know what your problem is? I cannot digest this,"

"Pakistan has always supported other nations. In 1996, there was a major security threat in Sri Lanka and teams were not willing to play there. Our players went there and played a match ahead of the World Cup. Sri Lanka could thus show the world that their country was safe. We are always ready to help."

 

[BreadPakoda]

Senseless by NZ. With such low risk appetite, shouldn’t have agreed to touring in the first place.

 

[JattMaula]

You can't kill cricket in Pakistan. It will now just take little longer to reach where it should be.

 

[Waleed93]

You know things are bad when even Shoaib Akhtar starts talking a bit of sense.

 

[ManFan]

He’s right. 12 years of work down the ****ing toilet thanks to a bunch of cowards.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

Here's Inzi

"No country can do to another what New Zealand have done to Pakistan. They were our guests and if they had some issues they should have spoken to the PCB. Pakistan had been providing New Zealand with the best security. Since the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in 2009, we have given security to teams equivalent to that given to a visiting President,"

"ICC must step into this. Also, If New Zealand have some inputs related to security, why are they not showing it? If not to PCB, then at least show it to the ICC. Even our PM had spoken to them and given them assurances. If New Zealand had spoken to Pakistan about their concerns, the security agencies could definitely have looked into to. But just before the match they said, they cannot play because of some threat. I have full trust in Pakistan's security. At least let us know what your problem is? I cannot digest this,"

"Pakistan has always supported other nations. In 1996, there was a major security threat in Sri Lanka and teams were not willing to play there. Our players went there and played a match ahead of the World Cup. Sri Lanka could thus show the world that their country was safe. We are always ready to help."

Inzy's punch line for everything. "ICC should look into this." Its not ICC's domain at all when the government of NZ is involved. Even Rambo knows this but he just mentioned ICC to show that he isnt taking it lightly but nothing can be done by ICC as its out of their juridisction and also ICC is headed by a Kiwi only.

 

[hitthestump]

You know things are bad when even Shoaib Akhtar starts talking a bit of sense.

It means the situation is serious enough for him to talk honestly without attempting to generate clickbait. That's how you know it's bad.

 

[nextover666666]

Lol he attacks India even more than Junaid..

He can be an Indian new Zealander who attacks or is critical of the Indian team

 

[TeymurBlake]

I don't think NZ killed Pakistan cricket, its just pushed the country and hosting cricket very back, it will need to do a lot more hard work to get back.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Although NZ pulled one horse S***ttery of a move at the last moment, I don't think international cricket in Pak is back to 0. Would still expect SL, WI, Ban, Zim, SA to tour. If England does decide to tour, it will be a successful coup. Don't think it will hurt us if we don't play NZ or Aus. We should simply boycott touring NZ and make sure the nice guys finish last.

 

[mazkhan]

This is a big blow for Pakistan cricket

But that only leaves sri lanka , Bangladesh or Afghanistan if the icc and international community allow their cricket to play.

These are and only teams who can fill in on a short notice due to geographical proximity .


Then you have zimbabwe , west indies and south africa .

The big three and new Zealand forget it they won't be touring anytime soon so an alternative will have to be found in uae .

But I see dark future both for afghan and pakistan cricket politics will kill the game in these countries

 

[Mirpur express]

Time to make the kiwis our bunnies again, starting with hopefully smashing them in thd t20 wc final.. here’s some wishful thinking

 

[sa88]

Show the world what? Not like teams were lining up to face Pakistan after they won the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan can only show the world if they prove themselves to be a money-spinning juggernaut like India that other boards have no choice but to pander to.

This.

The only thing that matters in situations like this is money. If playing Pakistan was a financially lucrative prospects, teams would be lining up to tour. As it stands, touring Pakistan is not a huge money spinner so there is no loss in bailing on a tour.

 

[Civil]

Akhtar is right for once. This was a final nail in the coffin In my opinion. The folks saying we have to do more to make it safe..., I'm telling you it is impossible to reach this new standard that has now been set.

This threat definitely wasn't serious otherwise given current Afghan geopolitics which gora nation wouldn't take a chance to make it public and roast Pakistan away with it. This was a political play. (Nothing against kiwis here this goes higher up to their 5 eye grandparents)

But It has ensured no serious talented team will ever visit Pakistan again in our lifetime.
God knows how we survived the previous 12 years with 2009 SL attack and match fixers etc.
Yet still somehow we won two ICC tourneys and got to number one in two formats (albeit shortly)

But this time we won't be able to survive. No talent visiting means no production of talented teams. We should just switch to football and combat sports.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Remember the date guys. This is where you respond to them with full strength. <a href="https://t.co/ZSDgsfUu7j">pic.twitter.com/ZSDgsfUu7j</a></p>— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1439337413986369537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>