PCB ropes in sports psychologist to assist Shahid Afridi

In a bid to help him regain his bowling form, the Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed a sports psychologist to assist experienced all-rounder Shahid Afridi reclaim his confidence.

The PCB has sought the help of a sports psychologist to help experienced all-rounder Shahid Afridi regain his confidence ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Afridi has been named in the shortlist of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy by the national selectors but indications are that if he doesn’t perform in the President’s Cup limited overs tournament he might be overlooked for the final squad.

Afridi had two good innings of 34 and 88 in the recent five match ODI series in South Africa but has struggled as a bowler which is his primary role in the team. He went wicket-less in all five ODIs in South Africa.

Afridi and senior batsman Younis Khan, who has been dropped for the Champions Trophy, have both vowed to play in the President’s Cup and make an impression on the national selectors.

Afridi spent time at the National Stadium with the PCB sports counsellor and psychologist Moin ul Atiq.

Moin, himself a former player for Pakistan, spent considerable time with the all-rounder giving him lectures and also watching him bowl in the nets.

According to Moin, the PCB has also given him the task of having counselling sessions with other key players before the Champions Trophy.

The PCB has, in the past, utilised the services of another sports psychologist Maqbool Babri to work with banned pace bowler Muhammad Aamir and other players with known behavioural problems including Ahmed Shahzad, Zulqarnain Haider and Umar Akmal.