Security around Pakistan cricket team has been stifling for players in World Cup: Mickey Arthur

Pakistan's World Cup campaign has been difficult due to heightened security restricting players to hotel rooms. This has made it difficult to socialize and unwind, creating a "Groundhog Day" effect. Despite this, players have embraced the experience of playing at new venues and have tried to create fun spaces within the hotel rooms.

Pakistan have been going through a difficult World Cup campaign and their Director of Cricket Mickey Arthur on November 3 attributed one part of the rough ride to the heightened security around players, largely confining them to the hotel rooms.

Pakistan, who have lost four of their seven matches, need to win their remaining two games, including the one against New Zealand in Bengaluru on November 4 and also hope that a few other results go in their favour to stay alive in the semifinal race.

"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.

"So much so that their breakfast is in a separate room to everybody else," said Arthur during the pre-match press meet.

Arthur said the players' inability to socialise during such a long tournament has made a tough impact on them during the quadrennial showpiece.

"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," he added.

The tight security cover was expected for the Pakistan team in India, given the history and diplomatic tension between the two nations.