England vs Pakistan 2016: PCB allows family members to stay with players until the conclusion of the third Test

The Pakistan Cricket board (PCB) has allowed their players’ families to stay with them until the conclusion of the third Test match against England. It was previously announced by the PCB that the cricketers could have their loved ones by their side only until the second Test, but this was later changed. The previous day, PCB had refused a proposal of some players who had requested the board to allow their families to stay with them until the Birmingham Test, 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.

Reports have also come to the fore that the Pakistani players had earlier pleaded to the board to pay the travelling and lodging expenses of their families, but the PCB turned down the offer and promised that they would pay only 50 percent of the expenses and the rest would have to be borne by the players.

On Wednesday, the Pakistani players paid a visit to English Premier League side Manchester United along with their families and also posted pictures of their visit on social media. Micky Arthur, the coach of the team was also accompanying them. Meanwhile, England were hit by a big blow ahead of the third Test as Ben Stokes was ruled out of the match due to a calf injury.

Pakistan scripted a historic victory over England at Lord’s in the first Test, where leg-spinner Yasir Shah picked up 10 wickets in the match and helped his side gain a 1-0 lead in the series. But the hosts bounced back strongly, riding on Joe Root’s magnificent 254, England recorded a 330-run victory over the visitors in the second Test at Old Trafford.

The third Test begins on 3rd August and with the 4-match series tied at 1-1, this match could prove decisive and can possibly change the course of the series in either team’s way.

It was also learnt that the Pakistani players had earlier pleaded to the board to pay the travelling and lodging expenses of their families, but the PCB had turned down the offer and promised that they would pay only 50 per cent of the expenses and the rest would have to be paid personally.