Pakistan Cricket Board appoints sports psychologist for ODIs against Afghanistan and Asia Cup 2023

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed sports psychologist Dr. Maqbool Babri to advise the men's team in anticipation of their ODI series against Afghanistan and the Asia Cup 2023. This leads up to the marquee event, the 50-over World Cup.

The PCB strives to provide optimal conditions for the players, helping them to direct their energies and focus on executing their cricket skills and match strategies. This strategy is reflected in the decision to bring Dr. Babri alongside the team.

"Yes, Dr Maqbool Babri who has worked in the past with counselling of some of our players will be accompanying the squad," a PCB source told PTI news agency.

Dr. Babri has previously worked with PCB players on mental conditioning, concentrating on aspects like handling pressure during difficult games and managing personal issues affecting player's performances.

Babri will serve as a team consultant in Sri Lanka, aiming to provide an open-door policy for players to confide any emotional or psychological issues that might arise during the tour. It is hoped that early intervention strategies can keep the team balanced and focused, improving on-field performance.

In preparing for the eventful tour, a pre-departure camp commenced at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The players invited to camp include Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Ali Agha, and Saud Shakeel. Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, and Shaheen Afridi will join the camp, arriving from London on August 16, followed by departure to Hambantota on August 17.

Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, alongside other players participating in the Lanka Premier League 2023 will join the team in Hambantota later. In addition to the regular team members, eight additional players have been invited to camp, namely Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Umar, Sufyan Muqeem, Mehran Mumtaz, and Qasim Akram.