BENGALURU: Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur on Friday described the tight securityfacing his team at the World Cup in India as `stifling`, leaving players feeling as if they are `back in Covid times`.

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 security, forcing them to spend their time in rooms.

`As a Pakistan team, we play a hell of a lot of cricket so being on the road is nothing new for these guys, said Arthur. `What has been tough is the fact that we`ve been under a massive amount of security. So, I`ve been sort of taken aback.

`I found it difficult. It`s almost like we`ve been back in the Covid times, where you were almost secluded to your floor and your team room. That`s been the tough aspect,` Arthur added.-AFP