'Maat bulao yarr'- Fans react as Pakistan Cricket Board plans to appoint psychologist for ODI World Cup 2023

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to appoint a psychologist for the upcoming ODI World Cup which is to be hosted in India from October 5 to November 19. They are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to make a mark in the forthcoming ODI World Cup.

The pressure placed on the players is enormous because of the big stakes and tough competitiveness. To assist the team in dealing with the psychological hurdles and uncertainties that lie ahead, the PCB is considering adding a sports psychologist to the Babar Azam-led squad.

Therefore, serious consideration is being given to appointing a psychologist: Pakistan Cricket Board

A statement by PCB stated, "Therefore, serious consideration is being given to appointing a psychologist. He will accompany the squad to the neighbouring country and help boost the players’ morale during crucial moments, protecting them from any fears."

According to the reports, alternatives for hiring a psychologist for the Men's ODI World Cup are being considered, with sessions with players possibly taking place before the squad departs for the major event. When Pakistan visited India for a bilateral white-ball series in 2012, Maqbool Babri was the team's sports psychologist. Pakistan and India drew the T20I series 1-1, but Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1.

Babri's assistance in assisting players following Mohammad Amir's release from prison in the United Kingdom during the 2010 spot-fixing incident is additional evidence of the positive influence a psychologist can have on team relations.

To guarantee an accurate evaluation of the current situation, the board is contemplating sending a team to India. On the team’s participation in the World Cup, the report added, "PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has received positive signals through channels. Once security clearance is obtained, the team will travel across the border. There is also a possibility of sending a delegation to assess the current situation."

It further stated that a significant salary increase has been mooted for the central contracts, with PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf, who held the position in 2012, planning to meet with Babar Azam after his return from the Lanka Premier League (LPL) to get his views on team-related things.

Here's how fans reacted

They would need one after losing again to India.

— Dr Nikhil Jain | SEBI RA (@iamMarketWiz) August 5, 2023

They will need it most after losing from India as Pak never won against India in ODI World Cup.

— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) August 5, 2023

Go and look what you people did with our squad back in 2016. Looking at current law and order situation in India. it's even more stressfull

— Sherry (@SherySays1) August 5, 2023

Don’t forget attack of Sri Lankan team in Pakistan. That’s why you guys are banned from hosting.

— Indian_raider (@Indian_raiders) August 6, 2023

Bahut zaruri hai bhai inke liye 🤫

— Abhinav Singh (@ProteinEnforcer) August 5, 2023

May be because last time Pakistan played a bilateral series in India in 2012 they took a psychologist along and won the ODI series.

- via Express News

— dotΞxe (@dotexe786) August 5, 2023

Exploding? Or exploring? Please spell check

— Subash Chand (@PoisonStroke) August 6, 2023

High time they appoint one.

All major Internal sports team hire services of a sports psychologist but in Pakistan due to shear lack of mental health awareness, it hasn't been done

— Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan (@AhmadRehanKhan) August 6, 2023