The heightened security measures put in place for the ICC World Cup 2023 have become a point of contention, particularly for the Pakistan team. Pakistan's Director of Cricket Mickey Arthur has expressed his unease with the restrictions that have largely confined players to their hotel rooms, inhibiting their ability to interact freely and impacting their overall well-being during the high-stakes tournament.
The Babar Azam-led Pakistan have had a forgettable World Cup campaign so far. With only three wins out of seven matches, all against teams lower in the rankings, the Men in Green are facing an uphill battle in the tournament as their semifinal chances hangs in the balance.
‘We’ve Been Under A Massive Amount Of Security’
Arthur highlighted the toll these stringent security protocols are taking on the Pakistani players, likening the situation to the isolation experienced during COVID-19. “What has been tough is the fact that we’ve been under a massive amount of security. And to be fair, I found it difficult. It’s almost like we’ve been back in the COVID times, where you were almost secluded to your floor and your team room,” he said, as quoted by TOI.
The Pakistan cricket contingent's hotels are under constant surveillance, a measure undertaken by the BCCI to ensure player safety against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between the two nations. This has resulted in a bubble-like environment, restricting players' freedom to engage in their usual routines.
‘It’s like Groundhog Day’
Despite efforts to foster a sense of normalcy and camaraderie through team events within the hotel, Arthur acknowledged the irreplaceable value of external social interactions. “It’s like Groundhog Day. You have breakfast, and if it’s a non-training day, you’re back to your room. We’ve tried to have sort of little fun team events within our team room. But there’s only so much you can recreate,” Arthur explained.
“I think the guys have been out three times – we’ve managed to do that with security, get them out to a different restaurant, just to give them a little bit of a taste of the outside world,” he concluded.
Pakistan are now gearing up for their next World Cup clash against New Zealand November 4.
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