Most fans imagine cricketers living lavish lives especially on visits to foreign countries. On most occasions, while touring international teams stay in luxurious five-star hotels which are among the best in the area.

However, Pakistan's stay in England over the last fortnight hasn't been the same as the coronavirus pandemic has forced the host England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to move away from International Cricket Council's (ICC) rules.

A report in Cricket Pakistan claims that since their arrival in England, the Pakistani side has been forced to stay in three-star hotels in order to create a 'bio-secure environment'. Initially, the Men in Green spent 15 days in Worcester and were not allowed to move outside their rooms even for food which was delivered on their respective floors, and training sessions served as their only means of outdoor activity.

This week, the Pakistan side has arrived in Derby for phase two of their tour plan. Even in Derby, Pakistan has been asked to stay in a three-star hotel however players are now allowed to leave their rooms and can dine together as no other guests are staying at the same hotel apart from the players and support staff.

Moreover, it is reported that players are allowed activities like snooker, table tennis, darts, and carom along with console video games in their own rooms.

The Pakistani side began training in Derby on Wednesday and will stay in the city till 30th July. The side will play two four-day intra-squad matches in the period starting on July 17 and July 24 respectively. The Azhar Ali-led squad already participated in two such fixtures while in Worcester in a bid to gain match fitness ahead of the test matches.

The Pakistani side will travel to Manchester on 1st August with the three-match Test series beginning on 5th at Old Trafford. From there, the two teams will leave for Southampton for a double-header to conclude the red-ball itinerary for the English summer. The subcontinent side is also scheduled to play three T20Is which will all take place in Manchester.

England has picked Manchester and Southampton as hosts of all international fixtures this summer as both grounds have a state of the arc hotel attached to the stadium making it easier to deal with the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic.