Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign in the USA has sparked criticism towards the players for bringing their families along. Pakistan’s tournament ended prematurely following defeats to India and debutants USA during their group stage matches in New York.
According to reports during the current T20 World Cup, the Pakistani team consisted of 17 players, yet 60 rooms were reserved at their accommodation to accommodat supporting crew and accompanying family members.
Though, players cover the extra expenses of having their families with them but it does impact their concentration. The environment became notably familial, with takeout meals and outings becoming regular occurrences for certain players.
Reports indicate that in addition to the nearly 34 players, support staff, and officials, the team hotel accommodated approximately 26 to 28 family members, including spouses, children, parents, and occasionally siblings.
According to the report, players such as Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Amir were accompanied by their family members during the tournament.
Babar Azam, who is unmarried, had his father, mother, and brothers staying with him in the team hotel.
Additionally, Amir independently brought along his personal trainer to the World Cup, despite the team already having a foreign trainer, a strength conditioning coach, a physiotherapist, and a doctor.
Former Test wicketkeeper Atiq uz Zaman acknowledged the players’ desire to have their families with them during less prominent or bilateral tours. However, he criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for permitting such gatherings during a major event like the World Cup.
“In a World Cup, families should not have been allowed as it distracts players from focusing on cricket. When families are present, a player’s attention and time get diverted,” Zaman remarked.