Babar, who is currently representing Colombo Strikers in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), will discuss with Ashraf the benefits of having a psychologist with the team during the prestigious tournament. A PCB official emphasized the chairman’s belief that a psychologist can greatly help players cope with the pressures and expectations of participating in a high-profile event like the ICC World Cup. This is especially crucial for Pakistan as they are set to visit India for the first time since 2016.
In the past, when Ashraf was the chairman of PCB, he enlisted the services of renowned psychologist Maqbool Babri to work with the players. Babri had previously traveled with the team to India during the 2012/13 tour, highlighting the importance of mental support for players during tough times or when they face external pressures on their tours.
It is worth noting that before the 2011 World Cup, the Pakistan players underwent sessions with a sports psychologist to enhance their mental preparedness before their tour to India.
In the upcoming World Cup, Pakistan will play their matches in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. (With inputs from PTI)