ICC World Cup 2019: PCB bans WAGs from accompanying Pakistan cricketers

Pakistan isn’t considered as favourites to win the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales. The team, captained by wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, lost their last nine ODIs versus England and Australia leading into the tournament and isn’t looking in the greatest of shapes. The Men in Green are scheduled to play a couple of warm-up matches to start their campaign in the mega event.

Their opening encounter in the 50-overs extravaganza is against the Windies 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 WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) from accompanying them during the course of the tournament.

Haris Sohail- the exception

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.

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.

Around a month ago, Sarfaraz asked the PCB to allow WAGs, 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.

As far as the World Cup is concerned, they last got their hands on the coveted trophy way back in 1992 under the leadership of Imran Khan, who is presently the nation’s Prime Minister. Last time around in 2015, Pakistan bowed out after a six-wicket defeat versus Michael Clarke’s Australia in the quarter-final at the Adelaide Oval.

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