Mickey Arthur mentions challenges while playing under heavy security ahead of New Zealand clash

Pakistan Cricket Team Director Mickey Arthur has spoken about playing under heavy security during the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Apparently, as India and Pakistan don’t have the best of relationships politically, the Green Brigade has been playing in India under heavy security. Talking about their performance, the team started the tournament with two wins. After this, they went on to lose four games on the bounce.

After this, they need a lot of other results to go their way. Meanwhile, ahead of their match against New Zealand on November 4, Arthur has mentioned that playing under heavy security has been difficult for the team.

“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 said ahead of Saturday’s fixture against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

It feels like we are back in COVID times: Mickey Arthur

“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 the 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 to everybody else. So, it’s almost, that’s been the tough aspect.”

“The aspect about being on the road is, our boys are used to it,” Arthur elaborated. “But when they’re on the road, they’ve still been able to get out and go and have meals, etc at different places, and get out on their own accord, which we haven’t been able to do this time. And that’s been tough. That has been quite stifling.”