PCB considers sending Psychologist with team for World Cup in India

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in consideration for appointing a psychologist to help the national cricket team cope with the pressure as the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 will be held in India later in the month of October-November. 

PCB officials believe that most players will be playing in India for the first time. The decision of Pakistan's cricket team participation will be made by a high-level government committee, which had its first meeting on Thursday. 

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. 

The board has already started planning for the event. Most of the current squad members have never played cricket in India before, and the authorities believe that media hype and public expectations can put pressure on the players.

Therefore, serious consideration is being given to appointing a psychologist. He will accompany the squad to the neighboring country and help boost the players' morale during crucial moments, protecting them from any fears. While no one has been finalized for the role yet, options are being explored. It is also possible that sessions may be held before the team's departure.

The sources further revealed that Chairman PCB Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, is committed to maintaining a cordial relationship with the players. He has advised the relevant authorities regarding the central contract to resolve the matter amicably. That's why a substantial pay raise has been proposed.

Upon returning from Sri Lanka, Ashraf will also meet with the captain, Babar Azam, to seek his opinion on team management matters.

Remember that in 2012, when Pakistan's cricket team toured India for the last bilateral series, the sports psychologist Maqbool Babri was alongside the team. At that time, Zaka Ashraf was the Chairman of the PCB.

For the first time, the PCB had appointed Maqbool as the sports psychologist for Mohammad Amir's counseling sessions. Amir, who was involved in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, served a jail sentence in the UK before returning to Pakistan.

In 2012, the T20 series between Pakistan and India ended in a draw (1-1), while Pakistan won the ODI series (2-1). At that time, the Green Shirts' tour took place after a gap of 5 years, and many players appeared in action on Indian soil for the first time.

In the T20 World Cup of 2016, the Green Shirts (Pakistan cricket team) also traveled to India to participate, but their journey ended before reaching the semi-finals. 

In the upcoming ODI World Cup, the traditional rivals Pakistan and India were scheduled to clash on October 15th. However, due to scheduling changes, the match will now take place one day earlier. 

The Green Shirts' game against Sri Lanka might also be rescheduled, as the ICC is expected to release an updated fixture soon.