Cricket World Cup 2023: “Back in the COVID times,” Mickey Arthur blames tight SECURITY for Pakistan’s lackluster performance in India

The political relationship between the two neighbors has never been good, so the Pakistani players are living under tight security.

Cricket World Cup 2023: “Back in the COVID times,” Mickey Arthur blames tight SECURITY for Pakistan’s lackluster performance in India

Mickey Arthur (Image via X)

Ahead of Pakistan’s penultimate group stage match against New Zealand, their team director Mickey Arthur blamed tight security as the reason behind Babar Azam and the company’s poor performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pakistan have won just three out of the seven matches they have played so far. Their three victories came over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands.

The political relationship between the two neighbors has never been good, so the Pakistani players are living under tight security. Arthur said that though he understands it well enough, being confined to one place does take a toll on one’s mind.

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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 when you were almost secluded to your floor and your team room.
Mickey Arthur said during a pre-match press conference.

Arthur further said that the players cannot go out on their own accord and that they managed to get out of the hotel to a different restaurant with security. He also revealed that to ensure players don’t get bored, the team management has organized quite a few fun events within the hotel.

Pakistan will be out of the World Cup if they lose against New Zealand

For Pakistan to stay alive in the tournament, they have to emerge victorious against New Zealand by a huge margin. New Zealand have posted 401/6 in 50 overs in Bengaluru on Saturday (November 4) and now Pakistan will have to toil hard to beat the Kiwis.

Mickey Arthur
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan (Image via ESPNcricinfo)

After losing four matches on the trot, they were required to win all of their matches. But their win over Bangladesh by seven wickets in their previous match kept them alive in the tournament. They are currently sixth on the points table and it’s going to be interesting to see whether Babar Azam and Co. chase away the massive 402-run target against the Kiwis.

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