Psychologists have called for better support for cricketers’ mental wellbeing as they head into a second year confined to biosecure “bubble...
Psychologists have called for better support for cricketers’ mental wellbeing as they head into a second year confined to biosecure “bubbles” around the world.
Cricket’s long tours away from homes and family have often caused problems in the past but the restrictions of quarantine and bubble life are posing extra difficulties, experts say.
England’s Jonny Bairstow said he spent just six nights at home in the second half of last year, while Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis saw his family for the first in seven months in January.
India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj missed his father’s funeral after deciding to stay in Australia in quarantine with his teammates in November.
Sports psychologists and psychiatrists have warned of the toll being taken on players and said there is a “stigma” over coming forward, particularly in Asian nations.
Amit Anand, a consultant psychiatrist and a panel member for golf’s European tour, quoted one former Australian national captain as saying that mental health problems had reached “almost epidemic proportions” among players.
“England, Australia and New Zealand have structured mental health support; their respective players’ associations are strong on supporting players’ mental health and wellbeing,” said Hassan Mahmood, a British pyschiatrist who works with elite English cricketers.
“It would be ideal to have this in place for all...
