(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan Director of Cricket Mickey Arthur shared a reason that he believes has played a role in the team’s poor performance in the ODI World Cup 2023.
Addressing media on the eve of Pakistan’s next match, Arthur informed about the extent of security that they are under and how it has been a difficult thing for them to deal with.
“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,” Arthur said as quoted to the media on Friday.
“So much so that their breakfast is in a separate room to everybody else.” Arthur pointed out that the players’ inability to socialise during such a long tournament has taken a toll on them,” he added.
Arthur further stated that he the players are not used to this, and that they are trying their level best to keep a happy environment within the camp by recreating some team events.
“Our boys are used to being on the road. But when they’re on the road, they’ve still been able to get out and have meals at different places, and get out on their own accord, and we haven’t been able to do this time. That’s been tough and stifling.”
“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. 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,” Arthur mentioned.
Pakistan played their last match on Tuesday in Kolkata. Notably, a few days before the game, Babar Azam had gone on a long drive.
Coming back to Pakistan’s campaign, they need to win every match from hereon to qualify for the semis. The Men In Green are scheduled to lock horns with New Zealand on November 4 in Bengaluru.