Adding yet another feather of embarrassment in their overflowing cup, Pakistan cricket Team has become a sight for international mockery. The team has been given a ‘final warning’ by both New Zealand Cricket and its government for a breach of COVID-19 related protocol. If these shenanigans continue, the Pakistani team will be kicked out of New Zealand, which will be a major debacle for the country as a whole on the international front.
Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Wasim Khan told the team in a message, “They have told me straight away that one more breach and they will send the whole team back,” adding, “it will be embarrassing” if this happens.
Unable to behave in a civilised manner, the Pakistan Cricket Team has breached numerous protocols since they arrived in the island country. It is worth observing that six Pakistani players tested positive for coronavirus upon their arrival in the country; hence New Zealand’s warning is completely justified.
Noting this, Wasim Khan said, “Boys, I spoke to the New Zealand government and they told us there were three or four breaches of protocols. They have a zero-tolerance policy and they’ve given us a final warning. We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and you went through similar conditions in England. It’s not easy. But this is a matter of the nation’s respect and credibility. Observe these 14 days and then you’ll have the freedom to go to restaurants and roam about freely. They have told me in clear terms that if we commit one more breach, they’ll send us home.”
Khan added, “Please guys, I know it’s difficult, it’s very tough, but do stay disciplined and follow through the protocols … they will not compromise on health and safety in New Zealand, so please adhere to it.”
This incident just adds to the long list of embarrassing situations Pakistan has gotten itself into. The country is already in the FATF grey list for its support to terrorist organisations. Over and above this, Pakistan has recently been sparred by United Arab Emirates’ refusal to issue new visitor visas to people from Pakistan. Along with this, Pakistan’s Government-owned airline, PIA, is on the verge of being banned by the International Civil Aviation Organization over their faulty license issue.
With absolutely no regard for international protocol or diplomacy; time and again Pakistan has been put to its place, and yet they do not learn their lesson. Recently, the Pakistan Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, had made a strong remark on France, comparing the country and President Macron to Hitler and Nazi Germany. The French Government had reacted strongly to this and let Pakistan know that if they want to have respectable relations with France, then they must maintain the basic decorum expected from all countries.
Read more: ‘We can’t afford Covid vaccines,’ Pakistan tells its panic-stricken citizens
Now, this latest case of international mockery adds another incident to their ‘Hall of Shame’. Contrary to Pakistan, New Zealand takes any violations against the COVID-19 protocols very seriously. The island country has a very low rate of transmission due to strict adherence to protocols. At one point, New Zealand went over 100 days without an officially recorded COVID-19 positive case. Thus, their strong reaction towards Pakistani players’ incessant refusal to adhere to the protocol is befitting. Just one more slip up and the players will be packing their bags soon.