Wasim Akram unhappy with Pakistan squad’s Covid-19 SOPs violation in New Zealand

Pakistan’s bowling great Wasim Akram is unhappy with the Men in Green’s violation of Covid-19 Standard Operating procedures (SOPs) during the tour of New Zealand.

Six Pakistan squad members had tested positive for the virus and are currently in isolation, while the entire touring party has been issued final warning by the local authorities. In case of future violations, the squad will be sent back home.

Responding to this, Akram urged the Pakistan contingent to follow the rules and regulations in place.

“You can’t treat grownups like children. These are professional cricketers who need to understand the SOPs and follow them. The protocols are that five to six people can’t interact at the same time, which the players did, and this was captured by the cameras in place,” said Akram.  

“Even here in Pakistan, people aren’t wearing masks despite it being the need of the hour…,” he added.

ALSO READ: Pakistan squad ‘caught on camera’ violating Covid-19 SOPs in New Zealand

He also believed that Pakistan have got their work cut out ahead of their series against the home side.

“New Zealand are in really good form and they chased down 180 in 15 overs [against West Indies] without any difficulty. It will be a tough tour like always but we have a new captain [Babar Azam] and hopefully our coach [Misbahul Haq] will adopt a positive attitude,” he said.

“Winning is losing is part of the game but the players should fight till the last ball,” he concluded.  

The Pakistan men’s national team is scheduled to play three T20Is on December 18, 20 and 22, and the ICC World Test Championship fixtures are scheduled to be held in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch on December 26-30 and January 3-7, respectively.