‘We've been under a massive amount of security’ - Mickey Arthur on how being under tight security has affected Pakistan

Babar Azam-led Pakistan has had a roller coaster of a ride in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Having played seven games in the tournament so far, the side has managed to register three wins and four losses. After their performances, the Men in Green sit in sixth place in the standings with six points to their names in seven games.

Arriving in India for the prestigious tournament, it was a given that the team would be under several travel restrictions and remain under tight security due to the political conflict between both countries. However, according to the side’s team director, Mickey Arthur, the tight security has taken quite a toll on Pakistan.

Arthur came forward to highlight how tough it has been for Pakistan due to the tight security, and he even compared it to being back in COVID times.

"As a Pakistan team, we play a hell of a lot of cricket, so being on the road is nothing new for these guys. What has been tough is the fact that we've been under a massive amount of security," Arthur was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"So, I've sort of taken it back. And to be fair, I've found it difficult. It's almost like we've been back in COVID times, where you were almost secluded to your floor and your team room. So much so that their breakfast is in a separate room from everybody else. So, it's almost been the tough aspect,” he added.

You wake up again and it's like Groundhog Day: Arthur

Arthur also talked about how tight security and travel restrictions have had a big impact on the players. He stated that the side has arranged for fun little events within the team, but that has not been enough.

"It certainly does. It definitely does, and I've seen it with some players where it has been; you wake up again, and it's like Groundhog Day. It's exactly the same. You have breakfast, and if it's a non-training day, you're back in your room,” Arthur said.

"We've tried to have sort of little fun team events and whatever within our team room. But you know, 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 or whatever, just to give them a little bit of a taste of the outside world,” he concluded.