Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur on Friday described the tight security facing his team at the World Cup in India as "stifling", leaving players feeling as if they are "back in Covid times". Arthur's comments came a day ahead of the team's crucial match against New Zealand which Pakistan must win to keep their hopes alive of reaching the semi-finals. Several Pakistan players have already suffered fever and flu at various stages of the tournament which fast bowler Hasan Ali attributed to "room sickness." Players are not allowed to venture out of their hotel without heavy security, forcing them to spend most of their time in hotel rooms.