Pakistan cricketers barred from using social media and engaging in religious talk during World Cup

Moin Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakistan’s cricketers, who will represent the country at the World Cup, have been barred from using social networking website during the tournament, which begins in Australia and New Zealand on February 14.

Social media is a distraction, says Team Manager

Naved Akram Cheema, Pakistan’s Team Manager for the World Cup, told the media that all players who have been selected in Pakistan’s squad for the 44-day event will be not be allowed to use websites like Facebook and Twitter over the next couple of months as the management wants the players to be free of any distractions.

"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," Cheema said.

"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 also added that cricketers will not be allowed to stay with their families during the World Cup.

"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.

Pakistan cricketers barred from religious talk

The Pakistan cricket team have also been instructed to keep away from talking about religion and politics during the mega event and stay free of controversies.

According to a senior official in the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), Chairman Shaharyar Khan has told the players there will be huge replications if they go violate the code of conduct and break rules during the tournament.

In September 2014, Pakistan batsman Ahmad Shehzad was caught on camera, allegedly making a religious comment to Sri Lankan all-rounder Tillakaratne Dilshan.

"Shaharyar made it clear that the players must not speak on religious, political or Indo-Pak relations during interactions with the media and also avoid these issues even in banter on the field," the PCB official said.

"The PCB chief said that before the match with India even during media conferences or interactions if anyone put questions relating to religion or Indo-Pak political ties the players must decline to answer."