Misbah fears homesickness for his players

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has said that his team having to constantly play away from home has taken a psychological toll on the players. Since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, no team has toured Pakistan, citing security concerns.

Pakistan have since played the majority of their home games in the UAE, as well as matches in New Zealand and England.

"It is not an easy thing not being able to play at home for so long," Misbah told Express News. "There are players in this side who have not had a chance to play international matches in Pakistan."

Misbah also pointed to Jonathan Trott's recent withdrawal from the England squad for the ongoing Ashes with a stress-related illness, as an example of just how big an issue homesickness can be. In fact, because of the recent series against South Africa in UAE, the Pakistan players were forced to celebrate Eid away from home.

"Jonathan Trott's example should be an eye-opener for the world. Imagine what the players have gone through in all these years," Misbah said. "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."