PCB appoints sports psychologist ahead of World Cup 2019

Sports psychologists are an integral part of successful teams, including those in cricket. A number of teams have been found to have gained from hiring sports psychologists and now, Pakistan have decided to follow suit. The country’s cricket board has roped in Taimoor Ali Khan as a sports psychologist for the national team ahead of the ICC World Cup starting next month. Taimoor has reportedly been recommended by the team’s bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, a former international all-rounder.

Taimoor has been appointed till May 11 (his contract could be extended) and will be with the Pakistan team which will be leaving for England on April 23 to play practice games against county sides besides taking on hosts England in a T20I and five ODIs.

Hammered by Australia 0-5 in their recent ODI series in the UAE, the England series will be Pakistan’s final international assignment ahead of the big event. Pakistan will play the Windies in their first match of the WC at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on May 31.

Speaking about the appointment of the sports psychologist, Business standard cited reports as quoting a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board as saying. “Taimoor will be working with the players on the mental aspect of preparing for a mega event like the World Cup and if required the board can extend his contract for the World Cup but for now he will be with the team until 11th May.”

Taimoor’s latest appointment is not the first time that Pakistan have roped in a qualified sports psychologist to work with the players.

Taimoor worked with the team during recent Australia series

Taimoor also worked with the Pakistan team during the recent ODI series against Australia. “He was with the players for five matches and held sessions with most players, including batsman Umar Akmal,” the source further said. Pakistan are expected to announce their squad for the WC on April 18 following the fitness tests but there are indications that the selectors will also pick three reserve players who will travel to England with the team.

Pakistan rested a number of frontline players in the recent series against Australia and the team management and selectors came under criticism over the step. PCB chief Ehsan Mani though said later that the board was not thinking of making big changes after the loss.

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