Pakistan’s 15-man World Cup squad has been banned from using social networking sites during the event commencing next month, said a report published on NDTV.

Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirmed on Tuesday that as part of their central contracts, players will not be allowed to use any social networking site on the coming tour to New Zealand and in the World Cup.

"I personally feel only people with loads of free time are active on these sites and I don't think our players will have enough time on hand for other things other than focusing on cricket and doing well in the World Cup," NDTV quoted him as saying.

He said the Board did not want the players to get involved into controversial activities which usually happens when they are active on social networking sites.

Cheema added that any member found violating this rule would be penalised severely.

"These players have been selected to represent their country in the biggest event of the cricket world and they need to give 100 per cent and remain focused on their game that is why we have imposed this restriction so that they are not distracted," he said.

Underscoring that he did not mean to treat the players like schoolchildren, Cheema said at the same time he expected them to act responsibly and as true ambassadors of the country.

Families not allowed to accompany World Cup players: Cheema

Cheema further said that the families of the players will also not be allowed to accompany them for the World Cup.

"They are allowed to have their families with them in New Zealand but for the World Cup, families are not allowed to remain with them," he said.

Shortly before his departure to New Zealand, player Umar Akmal tweets to his wife Noor Amna, saying that he would miss her and their newly-born daughter.

Players instructed to play hard cricket against India, says Cheema

Cheema also said that players had been instructed to play hard cricket against India but in the highest sporting spirit. He added that players had been strictly grilled to avoid chatter or gestures which could cause tensions between the two teams or the crowd.

"The Pakistan and India match is a showpiece game of the World Cup and the entire world will be watching it so the players have been told to play fair and hard cricket to try to win the match but not to exceed limits," he said.