PCB bans wives and families from accompanying cricketers

Pakistan will start their World Cup in England by facing off the West Indies on May 31 at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. In the meantime, the Pakistan players would not really be pleased as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned their wives and families from accompanying them during the course of the tournament.

As per reports in ESPNcricinfo, the decision came following Pakistan’s humiliating 4-0 defeat against England in the recently concluded five-match ODI series. During that tour, wives and families were allowed by the country’s cricket board. According to the new PCB policy, the family members, who wish to travel, have to make their own arrangements throughout.

Around a month ago, Sarfaraz asked the PCB to allow their wives and families, but his request was turned down. “Yes there was a suggestion from the captain and players that they should be allowed to have their wives and children with them in England during the World Cup but the board has not allowed this. This decision has been taken by the team management,” a PCB official was quoted as saying on IndiaTVNews.

The current policy is applicable to all Pakistan cricketers barring spin-bowling all-rounder Haris Sohail, who has been allowed special dispensation on personal grounds. Nevertheless, this policy isn’t in line with the standard operating procedure. Previously, better-halves of Pakistan players were allowed to share rooms with them after the insistence of the cricketers.