‘The whole team became a family’ – Misbah-ul-Haq recalls Pakistan’s 2020 tour of England

Cricket has changed a lot ever since the Covid-19 virus came in the picture. From not using saliva to shine the ball to serving long quarantine in hotel rooms, the players underwent many transitions all thanks to the global pandemic. While many prominent cricketers have said that the isolation protocols and travel restrictions are hard to obey, Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq believes that new norms have strengthened the unity of the national team.

For the unversed, Pakistan toured England last year for three Tests and as many T20I matches. It was their first international assignment in the COVID-19 era. Owing to the bio-bubble protocols, the visiting team wasn’t allowed to leave the premises of the Hampshire Bowl and Old Trafford. Speaking of the tour, Misbah said that the restrictions turned the squad into a family.

To stay together like that helps the team: Misbah-ul-Haq

“As a head coach I would prefer to be in lockdown! To stay together like that helps the team. Get connected, do whatever you do, in the game room, or the team room, together, practicing together, having food together, that was amazing,” Misbah told reporters.

“One thing obviously was that we were cut off from the outside, from families and everyone else. But that time, the whole team became a family and that actually helped us,” added the former Pakistan skipper.

Meanwhile, Pakistan team has travelled to England again for three ODIs and as many T20Is, starting on July 8. Unlike last year, fans will gather in the stadium in a limited capacity, which is something Misbah believes will make him feel normal. “Overall, when there are spectators and atmosphere in the ground it is better. From the mental side, I think players will be a bit more relaxed,” he asserted.

Notably, Pakistan had a mixed time in England last year. While they lost the Test series 0-1, the T20I series ended in a 1-1 tie. Hence, the Men in Green, under Babar Azam’s leadership, would like to put up a better show this time around. However, they have a formidable task at hand with the Three Lions doing exceptionally well in white-ball cricket. Consequently, it would be interesting to see how this series unfolds.