Misbah ul Haq: Players are mentally, physically affected by New Zealand's regulations

The head coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Misbah ul Haq sees the player as mentally and physically affected due to the restricted regulations in New Zealand.

Indeed, the isolation period has been challenging and tough for the Men in Green as a small breaching has dragged them into hot waters as they received for the cancelation of the cricket tour.

Misbah has lauded players’ and management’s patience as they have settled amidst the tough isolation rules staying in a room for straight many days.

Misbah ul Haq: Players are mentally, physically affected by New Zealand’s regulations

“I want to compliment my players and the management team for their patience, sacrifices, and the hardships they have endured to ensure they not only lead the safe resumption of international cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic since the series in England but also try to give their best every time they step on the field,” said Misbah.

“Top professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at the minimum expected levels every time they represent their countries. While we completely respect and understand the New Zealand Government Laws, which have been put in place for the health and safety of their public, there is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically prior to an international series,” he added.

However, the PCB has announced the eighteen-member squad for the T20I series that is to be played against New Zealand starting from 18th December.

The two teams will get featured in a three-match T20I series that will be followed by the two test matches. Notably, the squad has been chosen by Misbah ul Haq as choosing the members for the Pakistan tour of New Zealand was his last task as a chief selector before stepping down.

Pakistan squad:

Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Musa Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Qadir, and, Wahab Riaz.