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“There are players in this side who have not had a chance to play international matches in Pakistan”

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has announced that not being able to play on home soil is having a negative impact on many players as they are constantly away from their families and friends.

Pakistan have not played an international series at home since the Sri Lankan national team were ambushed by armed militants in Lahore in March 2009, which left eight civilians dead and six players injured.

“Playing constantly away from home since 2009 has made heavy demands on the players and it has taken a heavy toll on them,” ul-Haq said. “It is not an easy thing not being able to play at home for so long. There are players in this side who have not had a chance to play international matches in Pakistan.”

Ul-Haq is also concerned about some of the players as they are displaying symptoms similar to that of England batsman Jonathan Trott, who recently pulled out of the Ashes series due to a stress-related illness.

“Jonathan Trott’s example should be an eye-opener for the world,” ul-Haq said. “Imagine what the players have gone through in all these years. I think it’s time that the ICC and other cricket nations support Pakistan because international cricket away from home has tough demands on the players.

“There is non-stop international cricket these days and it is extremely hard on the players to be away from their families for such long periods.”

The Pakistan captain also admitted that pace bowler Mohammad Irfan had been overused, which led to him sustaining a fractured hip during the second and final Twenty20 International against South Africa in Dubai last month.

“In the future we would have to be extra cautious with our important players,” ul-Haq said.