Cricketers attending counselling sessions with PCB psychologist

MARIA SAEED

KARACHI: Batsman Umar Akmal, fast bowler Mohammad Aamir, wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider and opener Ahmed Shehzad are reportedly receiving counselling from a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) psychologist.

Media sources revealed Akmal attended five sessions with a psychologist before he went to perform Umra. He may be called for more sessions at a later. The struggling performer has failed to reach three figures since his maiden Test century against New Zealand.

Opener Shehzad was found guilty of misconduct on several occasions in both domestic and international matches. This could perhaps be his reason for attending.

Aamir is also reported to have attended some sessions, while serving a five-year ban imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). He was suspended in September 2010, along with teammates Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, for their role in spot-fixing on the Pakistan tour to England.

The PCB had hired Dr. Maqbool Babri who is also a hypnotherapist to hold counselling sessions with players who have had disciplinary problems in recent years.

"Babri will not only work with Amir but also some other players who we feel can serve Pakistan cricket well in the future but need to change their attitude and discipline themselves," said Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed.