New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering the appointment of a psychologist to help the national cricket team deal with the pressures of the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup, which is set to be held in India in late October/late November.
PCB officials expect most players to play in India for the first time. The Pakistani cricket team’s participation was decided by a committee of government officials, whose first meeting was held on Thursday.
PCB receive green signal to travel India
PCB received a positive signal through its channel. After getting through security, the team crosses the border. It is also possible to send a delegation to assess the current situation. The board has already started planning the event. Most of the current team members have never played cricket in India before and officials believe media hype and public expectations could put pressure on players.
Psychologists to travel with team
Therefore, the employment of psychologists is being seriously considered. He will accompany the team to neighboring countries to help boost the morale of the players at key moments and save them from fear. No one has been selected for the role yet, but options are being considered. It is also possible to have a meeting before the team leaves.
Zaka Ashraf wants players to be mentally fit
PCB management board chairman Zaka Ashraf wants to maintain a warm relationship with the players, according to people familiar with the matter. He advised the competent authority on central contracts to settle the matter amicably.
For this reason, a significant salary increase was proposed. After returning from Sri Lanka, Ashraf will also meet with his captain, Babar Azam, to hear his thoughts on team management issues.
Remember, when the Pakistani cricket team visited India for their final bilateral series in 2012, sports psychologist Makboul Babri was there. Zaka Ashraf was the chairman of PCB at the time.
IND vs PAK WC 2023 match
The forthcoming ODI World Cup was due to meet traditional rivals Pakistan and India on October 15. However, due to the date change, the match will be played one day earlier.