Dubai
Psychologists will monitor players at the T20 World Cup to help cope with the growing number of mental health cases in coronavirus safety bubbles, cricket’s governing body said on Thursday.
The pandemic strain has become increasingly apparent in recent months with England’s Ben Stokes on a prolonged mental health break, and other leading players complaining about the pressures of going from bubble to bubble in different tours and tournaments.
A number of players missed or left the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the United Arab Emirates because of bio-bubble stress.
And the 16 nations at the World Cup, starting in the UAE and Oman on October 17, will be confined to their hotels for the majority of the month-long tournament.
“Some people will be affected, their mental health will be affected by being in confined conditions again, particularly perhaps those who have done it for a prolonged period of time,” Alex Marshall, International Cricket Council head of integrity and biosafety, told reporters.
“The ICC will have available a psychologist round the clock to speak to any individual who seeks help.”—Agencies
