Tight Security Around Pakistan Team Has Been Suffocating For Players: Mickey Arthur

Bengaluru: Pakistan’s World Cup campaign has been challenging, with Director of Cricket Mickey Arthur attributing some of the difficulties to heightened security measures, which have confined players to their hotel rooms. Pakistan has lost four of its seven matches and needs to win its remaining two, including the upcoming one against New Zealand, to stay in the semi-final race.

Arthur mentioned the significant security restrictions, comparing them to the COVID-19 lockdowns, where players were restricted to their floors and team rooms. Even breakfast is served separately. The inability to socialize during this long tournament has taken a toll on the players.

The tight security was expected, given the history and diplomatic tensions with India. Pakistan’s team hotels are under 24-hour vigilance to ensure safety.

Despite the constraints, the team has tried to create some fun spaces within the hotel, but it can’t replace real interactions with the outside world.

Arthur noted that the players have embraced the opportunity to play at new venues, including iconic ones like Eden Gardens and Bangalore, even though it took some time to adjust to the conditions.