Sarfraz Ahmed unsure about benefits of having a sports psychologist

Waseem Ahmed 09:00 26/11/2018
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  • Mickey Arthur and the Pakistan Test squad.

    While head coach Mickey Arthur advocated the use of a sports psychologist to aid the team, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has admitted that it is an alien concept for him.

    Arthur had spoken about the issue following Pakistan’s narrow four-run loss to New Zealand in the opening Test at Abu Dhabi while attempting to chase a target of 176 in the final innings.

    Post the loss, the Pakistan coach had told ESPNcricinfo, “This is the second time it’s happened in a year, that we’ve lost in a fourth innings chase.”

    “This is something we need to overcome as a team. Hopefully the next time we’re in a position to do it, we’ll win it comfortably. I continually discuss with the PCB (the possibility of getting a sports psychologist). We have had discussions around it.”

    Arthur (r) has held discussions with the PCB on the matter.

    Arthur (r) has held discussions with the PCB on the matter.

    The South African coach believes that a sports psychologist will help the team in pressure situations.

    Sarfraz said it would be a first for him.

    “I have heard about it but I don’t know how he will work with the team. I have never had the chance of working with a sports psychologist but if I do only then can I say how the experience is like. But yes, our batsmen are failing to play long innings and crumble when asked to chase a target,” Sarfraz told PTI.

    It remains to be seen whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accedes to Arthur’s demands.

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