WIVES and family members of Pakistan’s players at the World Cup will not be permitted to stay with them for the duration of the tournament in England.

According to a new Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) policy, any cricketer’s family members who wish to travel along with the player will have to make their own arrangements throughout the event.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the decision is intended to keep players focussed on the task at hand, without the distraction of families around them. Only Haris Sohail has been allowed special dispensation on personal grounds.

The players’ wives and families were allowed to stay with them during the bilateral series against England, but the team manager has since informed the players about the new policy.

This is a departure from standard operating procedure (SOP). Previously, Pakistan’s players insisted on having their wives during series abroad, and they were allowed to share hotel rooms.

Pakistan are set to begin their campaign against West Indies in Nottingham on May 31 to kick off a World Cup that will see them play nine games across seven venues before the semi-finals.