Days after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja advised the Babar Azam-led side to channel their anger in making the Green Army a world-class side, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the former world champions to roar like “cornered tigers” at the ICC World T20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman. In what can be seen as a massive setback for Pakistan, the New Zealand Cricket abandoned its historic tour to the Asian nation over a security alert. 

The Black Caps had earlier arrived in Pakistan for the first time since 2003. New Zealand were earlier scheduled to play three ODIs, followed by five T20Is with Pakistan. The bilateral series between Pakistan and New Zealand would be acted as dress rehearsals for the Azam-led side in the build-up to the T20 World Cup. On Wednesday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran had a formal meeting with Pakistan’s T20 cricket team at his office.

Encouraging the Pakistani side ahead of the Oman and UAE event, the former Pakistani skipper urged his players to focus on improving their performances in the international arena. According to a report filed by PakistanCricket, Imran advised the Babar-led side to play fearless cricket at the T20 World Cup. The Pakistan PM wants his players to deliver the goods in the upcoming World Cup after New Zealand and England opted to cancel their respective away bilateral series with Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a safe country. You should focus on improving your performances… God willing, Pakistan will host international cricket soon,” Khan was quoted as saying. Imran, who guided Pakistan to its maiden World Cup title in 1992, also told Babar to lead the Green Army from the front. “You must lead the team from the front, take everyone along and play like cornered tigers,” Imran said. Azam-led Pakistan will kickstart their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India.