PCB appoints sports psychologist Maqbool Babri for Asia Cup | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has enlisted the services of sports psychologist Dr. Maqbool Babri to provide counseling to the men’s team as they compete in the ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka.

This support will continue through the prestigious Asia Cup and culminate with the highly anticipated World Cup.
“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 said.

He said the board’s intention is to provide comprehensive support to the players, ensuring they can concentrate wholeheartedly on their cricketing responsibilities and upcoming matches. This approach aims to create an environment where the players can focus without distractions.

In previous instances, Babri has collaborated with certain players, guiding them in navigating high-pressure situations, overcoming challenging performances, and addressing personal issues. His expertise has been instrumental in assisting these players to manage such situations effectively.

A source in the PCB said that Babri was being sent with the team so that the players can always have a qualified psychologist to sit down with and discuss any issues instead of bottling up their feelings.
The PCB announced on Sunday that a pre-Sri Lanka departure camp for the players in Pakistan will commence at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore from Monday.
The three-day camp is being held before the team will depart for Hambantota on 17 August.
Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel will attend the camp.

Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir and Shaheen Afridi will arrive in Lahore on 16 August from London for the departure on 17 August.
The players participating in the Lanka Premier League including captain Babar Azam will join the team in Hambantota.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has also invited eight additional players in the camp. They are Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Umar, Sufyan Muqeem, Mehran Mumtaz and Qasim Akram.
(With PTI inputs)