Pakistan cricketers turn to shrink for inspiration

The World Cup bound Pakistani cricketers will have two counselling sessions with a well-known sports psychologist before leaving next week from Lahore for New Zealand.

An official in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that sports psychologist Babri will hold two separate sessions with the players at the national cricket academy in Lahore.

"The players are going to attend a four day conditioning camp from Wednesday and these sessions are part of the camp," he added.

The official said head coach, Waqar Younis had requested for the short camp in a bid to allow the players to start a bonding process and leave in high spirits for the World Cup campaign.

"Dr Babri has held sessions with other players in the past including the banned Muhammad Aamir and others like Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad," the official said.

He said the purpose of the two sessions was to lift the confidence of the players and remove any fear or anxiety they might have before such a mega-event.

"Some top former players like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Javed Miandad who were part of the 92' World Cup winning squad have also been invited to share their experiences with the players.

"The Chairman of the board, Shaharyar Khan will also give the players one message at their farewell dinner to play positive and fearless cricket in the World Cup without any fear of defeat."

Meanwhile senior players, Misbah-ul-Haq, Muhammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi all appeared for their fitness tests at the NCA on Monday and according to the official they passed the tests.

"Misbah is carrying a hamstring injury and he has shown remarkable recovery and appeared good in the fitness test. All indications are that he will be fit to lead Pakistan before the two one-day internationals against New Zealand later this month in New Zealand," he added.