Shoaib Akhtar criticizes NZ for abandoning series

Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar has criticized the New Zealand cricket authorities for abandoning the series unilaterally, saying Pakistan’s image has been hurt before the whole world.

“We stand firm with our government, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), our Army and security agencies,” said the Rawalpindi Express, while speaking to a private news channel.

Shoaib said that it was unfortunate for PCB Chief Ramiz Raja, who took over the reins of the board a few days ago. “You have to understand that Pakistan’s image has been damaged. I am not concerned about Pakistan cricket at the moment, I care for the country’s image,” he said.

Former Pakistani fast-bowler Sikander Bakht lashed out at the New Zealand authorities, questioning its “security alert” excuse to abandon the tour. “They practiced here for five days. Not a single stone was hurled at them. Withdrawing at the last minute is very disappointing,” he said.

Bakht said Pakistan had facilitated countries around the world by playing Test matches in difficult conditions, in England and elsewhere.

“We went the extra mile for them, we played Test matches for them. And they are the ones who hit us. I was saying at the time that they [New Zealand] will not come to Pakistan and the same has happened now. For God’s sake, do not help them [New Zealand] again,” he said.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement on Friday said the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has decided to postpone the series due to security alert. “New Zealand Cricket informed us they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series,” PCB said.

PCB and Pakistan government had made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. “We have assured the New Zealand Cricket of the same. The Pakistan Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team,” PCB said.

PCB said the security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Pakistan government throughout their stay here. “PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal,” the board said.