Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi Lash Out At New Zealand For Abandoning Pakistan Tour

Islamabad: Former Pakistan cricketers lashed out at the New Zealand Cricket for abandoning the Pakistan tour at the last minute ahead of the first ODI.

Both teams were scheduled to kick start the series with the first ODI match on Friday, but New Zealand cricket decided to abandon the tour due to security concerns.

New Zealand cricket board on Friday announced, “Following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the Blackcaps will not continue with the tour.”

The decision upset many former and current Pakistan cricketers as they lashed out at the Blackcaps.

Veteran pacer Shoaib Akhtar took to Twitter and wrote: “NZ just killed Pakistan cricket.” “Sad scenes & news from Rawalpindi,” he had posted a few moments earlier.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who is very vocal about his opinions, lashed out at New Zealand Cricket board over the decision.

“On a HOAX threat you have called-off the tour despite all assurances!! @BLACKCAPS do you understand the IMPACT of your decision?” Afridi wrote on Twitter.

Pakistan cricket team skipper Babar Azam displayed full support to the country’s security agencies and expressed his disappointment over the Blackcaps decision.

“Extremely disappointed on the abrupt postponement of the series, which could have brought the smiles back for millions of Pakistan Cricket Fans. I’ve full trust in the capabilities and credibility of our security agencies. They are our pride and always will be! Pakistan Zindabad!” he wrote on Twitter.