Pakistan cricketers ‘not enjoying’ stay in bio-bubble ahead of Zimbabwe series

Pakistan cricketers are not enjoying their stay in the bio-secure bubble ahead of the Zimbabwe series, according to sources.

Pakistan is set to take on Zimbabwe in the first of the three-match One-day International (ODI) series in Rawalpindi on Friday. The two teams are also scheduled to face each other in a three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series.

According to details, Pakistan squad is not entirely comfortable within the bio-secure environment, at a five-star hotel in Islamabad, as they aren’t able to freely move around the premises.   

Sources have also revealed that some players have expressed their reservations over not being allowed to order food from outside the hotel and have also requested for a buffet system.

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During their stay in the bubble during England tour, Pakistan cricketers felt more comfortable as they could go to the hotel lobby or even play golf but in Islamabad they are restricted to just one floor. Although, it must be noted that, in England, only the teams were residing in the hotel and general public was not allowed to stay there.

Players are also not satisfied with the gymnasium available at the hotel and they are also unable to access the swimming pool area.

Some squad members are also concerned that this could cause mental health problems and they even conveyed their reservations to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) but the latter is of the opinion that players should be prepared for this bearing in mind Covid-19 pandemic.

When Pakistan team media manager, Raza Rashid, was approached on the matter, he said: “Players are happy in the bio-secure bubble and we have not received any complaints. The team experienced this during England tour as well.”