ICC World Cup 2023 – Mickey Arthur – Being under ‘massive amount of security’ tough on Pakistan

“As the Pakistan team, we are accustomed to being on the road due to our extensive cricket commitments. However, the level of security we have experienced has been incredibly demanding,” Arthur stated before their match against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Saturday.

“To be honest, I have found it quite challenging. It feels like we have gone back to the days of Covid-19, where we were confined to our rooms and team areas. Even breakfast is served separately from the rest. This has been the toughest aspect for us.”

Arthur further described the stifling feeling of limited movement. While the security measures are in accordance with ICC regulations, it cannot be denied that Pakistan has had an added layer of security whenever they travel for matches.

“Being on the road is not new for our boys,” Arthur explained. “But in previous tours, they were able to go out, have meals at different places, and spend time on their own. Unfortunately, this time it has been different, and that has been quite stifling.”

Does this affect the players?

“Certainly, it does,” Arthur admitted. “I have witnessed some players feeling like every day is a repetition. They wake up, have breakfast, and if it’s a non-training day, they return to their rooms.

“To lift their spirits, we have organized small team events within our designated area. However, there is only so much we can recreate. We managed to take the players out three times with proper security to give them a taste of the outside world.”

While Arthur presented an honest account of their circumstances, he emphasized how they have embraced the situation and remain optimistic about turning their fortunes around.

“In our individual skill meetings yesterday, we discussed this as a group. One thing that constantly amazes me about the Pakistan players is their composure,” Arthur praised.

Mickey Arthur

“Yes, everyone keeps telling me it’s the typical World Cup campaign,” Arthur chuckled. “I wish we were comfortably cruising at this stage, which would be a lot less stressful.

“However, before the Bangladesh game, we found ourselves in a situation where the outcome was beyond our control. But now, things have taken a funny turn and it’s back in our hands. We need to win both our remaining games with a big margin, and it’s still within our control, unlike before the Bangladesh game. We had an excellent result there, and South Africa’s win helped us too.”

Although Arthur admitted that their chances of making a comeback are slim, he mentioned the group’s calmness in dealing with the situation.

“We discussed this as a group during our individual skill meetings,” he revealed. “I am amazed at how calm the Pakistan players are. They handle the pressure with ease. I felt it before the Bangladesh game, and I am experiencing it again now. So, yes, we are in a good place.”

“Certainly, that is something we are mindful of,” replied Arthur when asked about the importance of considering net run rates. “During the Kolkata chase, I had every possible scenario in mind, depending on our victory margin. We were aware of how we could impact New Zealand’s net run rate. However, I didn’t expect South Africa to win the following night. So, we have planned for all those scenarios.

“Of course, we have those calculations. But our priority is to focus on the present. New Zealand is a formidable team – well-coached, well-led, and experienced. We must respect them. Once we establish a strong position in the match, then we can start considering net run rates.

“I will have all the information, but I won’t necessarily share it with the players until the right moment, when we need to push harder and work on improving our net run rate. We still need to win the game.”