People wear protective masks in an MTR train, following the outbreak of the new coronavirus in Hong Kong (Reuters)

As the world grapples to come to terms with the growing threat of the novel Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has chosen to direct his anger at neighbours China. In the latest video on his YouTube channel, Akhtar has blamed "the Chinese people" for putting the "world at risk" while raising questions regarding their eating habits.

The new Covid-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. While World Health Organization claims that studies to date suggest the virus that causes Covid-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air, Akhtar is not the most politically correct cricketers going around as he lashed out at China for spreading the virus.

"I don’t understand why you have to eat things like bats, drink their blood and urine and spread some virus across the globe I’m talking about the Chinese people. They have put the world at stake. I really don’t understand how can you eat bats, dogs, and cats. I’m really angry.

"The whole world is at risk now. The tourism industry has been hit, the economy is badly affected, and the whole world is going towards a lockdown," Akhtar said.

Possibly fearing a backlash, Akhtar then went on to clarify that he was not against "the people of China" but the "law of animals".

"I’m not against the people of China but I’m against the law of animals. I understand this may be your culture but this is not benefitting you now, it is killing humanity. I’m not saying you boycott the Chinese but there has to be some law. You cannot go on an eat anything and everything," Akhtar added.

Akhtar also seemed pretty disappointed by the empty stadiums currently serving as venues for Pakistan Super League matches, which arrived in the country for the 1st time since its inception.

"The biggest reason for anger is PSL Cricket returned to Pakistan after so many years, the PSL was happening in our country for the first time now even that is at risk. The foreign players are leaving, it will take place behind closed doors," said Akhtar on his Youtube channel.