Pakistan cricketers banned from using social media during the World Cup

Pakistan’s opening World Cup encounter is against India

The players of the Pakistan team have been banned from using social networking sites during the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which begins next month. The “Men in Green” begin their World Cup campaign against India on February 15 at the Adelaide Oval.

Confirming the news on Tuesday, Pakistan team manager Naved Akram Cheema said that the players will be on an extremely busy schedule Down Under and added that only those who have very little to do are busy surfing these sites.

"I personally feel only people with loads of free time are active on these sites and I don't think our players will have enough time on hand for other things other than focusing on cricket and doing well in the World Cup,” he said.

He further stated that players have been chosen to represent their country on a global stage and hence, should focus on giving their best on the field.

"These players have been selected to represent their country in the biggest event of the cricket world and they need to give 100 percent and remain focused on their game that is why we have imposed this restriction so that they are not distracted," he said.

He also said that those who are found violating the rule will be handed a serious penalty.

Aim to win, but don't exceed limits: Cheema

Speaking about the marquee clash with India on February 15, Cheema said that the cricketers have been asked to compete hard on the field but not go overboard in their quest to win the game.

“The Pakistan and India match is a showpiece game of the World Cup and the entire world will be watching it so the players have been told to play fair and hard cricket to try to win the match but not to exceed limits," the senior bureaucrat said.

He further added that the families of cricketers can accompany them when they are training in Nw Zealand prior to the tournament, but they will not be permitted to stay with them when the marquee event begins.

“They are allowed to have their families with them in New Zealand but for the World Cup families are not allowed to remain with them," he said.