Innovation has been the name of the game since Mike Hesson took over the Pakistan cricket team’s coaching duties, and that trajectory is set to continue as the PCB takes a proactive step to sharpen the squad’s mental edge ahead of the rematch against India, by enlisting the services of a sports psychologist.
According to sources in local media, the PCB has confirmed that Dr. Raheel has officially joined the national team setup in Dubai as a sports psychologist, where the squad is preparing for what could be a defining moment in their Asia Cup campaign.
The decision comes amid growing pressure and expectations surrounding the Pakistan-India rivalry, which often transcends cricket and tests players beyond the physical realm. With emotions running high and the margin for error razor-thin, the PCB’s move signals a renewed focus on mental conditioning and performance clarity.
Sports psychologists have been employed by teams across the globe to help athletes cope with the mental pressure of carrying the hopes of millions in competitive arenas. The PCB itself has prior experience in this area, having previously acquired the services of Dr. Maqbool “Max” Babri in 2023.
The upcoming contest between India and Pakistan will be the second meeting between the arch-rivals in the tournament, with players still feeling the fallout from the previous encounter. The match is set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where thousands are expected to turn up and millions more will be glued to their screens, adding even more pressure on the players.
With the psychological boost now in place and the team rallying behind a shared purpose, Pakistan will be hoping to channel focus into firepower when they take the field against India.
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A psychologist was also attached with the Pakistan cricket team during the WC-2023 in India. He complained in his report that the players were never serious listen to him and hardly responded to his calls.
The problem with Pakistan cricket is that those who come through backdoors consider themselves above all. A psychologist should be attached from U-19 level where upcoming youngsters can be handled.
How is it a bold move as per the thumb nail?
How is it a bold step?
They need physical fitness as well as psychological strength
Aqib Javed will destroy the whole team
However we the parent are happy because since he excluded baber Azam from the team the boys either study or sleep.Thanks Mr.aqib
Rather improving the selection of cricket team, wasting money on irrelevant things. It’s all media gimmick, hiring foreign coaches, psychiatrist, media manager all stupid investment. You need loyal players not like Wasim Akram or M. Amir.
You need mentally strong captains. You pick people from test teams for odis and t20s… not vice versa. One or 2 players can be selected without test appearance but not entire teams and start cursing the team for bad performances.
Players should plan their game as a normal match without thinking the loss in previous one. Play their natural game with enthusiastically spirit, with no pressure.
Pakistan need good coaches not phychpsychologists
This is not a bold decision, this is only waste of money and emotions of people.
When parchi players will be taken out from team, definitely will be bold decision for improvement of the team.