PCB reverses decision; allows families to stay with players

In what is currently viewed as a U-turn, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reversed its decision and allowed the families of the players to accompany them for the Third Test match of the ongoing England v Pakistan series. The decision earlier made by the board was that the families accompanying the players on the tour stating that it was important that the players might get distracted by their families. But, the board’s chairman Shaharyar Khan has acknowledged the request of these players and has changed his mind.

According to the Deccan Chronicles, an undisclosed source said, “The PCB Chairman has now granted permission to the players that their wives and children can stay with them on the tour till third Test although the initial agreement was that the families would leave the team hotel after the second Test.”

“Khan basically changed his decision as he didn’t want to upset the players before the third Test which could have a bearing on the team performances,” he added.

Further reports went on to suggest that the players had pleaded with the board to foot the bills for the boarding and lodging of their families as well. Although the PCB initially denied the same, they eventually agreed to pay 50 percent of their expenses as well as lodging.

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Wednesday however, was an off day for the players as well as Coach Mickey Arthur as they made a visit to Old Trafford, the home stadium of English Premier League club Manchester United.

The third and final Test of the tour will be played after Pakistan play a warm-up match against Worcestershire. The final Test will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham and will prove to be the decider of the series.

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