Anxiety issues force Thomspon to take indefinite break

Stuart Thompson, the Ireland allrounder, has confirmed that he is taking an indefinite break from professional cricket to receive treatment for performance anxiety. Thompson, 24, confirmed the development after withdrawing from a domestic fixture for North-West Warriors.

"I have realised it is in my best interests and everyone else involved in the squad and Cricket Ireland to be open and honest about my situation," said Thompson, who has played 11 ODIs and 17 T20Is. "I have been struggling this season which culminated in needing a complete break from the game.

"With the backing of Cricket Ireland, I have received expert help and I now understand a lot more about my condition and how I can overcome it. I am now looking forward to practicing methods to manage my anxiety and hope to return to cricket very soon. I've the best team around me to help me through it and looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Thompson is the second international cricketer to take an indefinite break from the game because of anxiety-related issues. Sarah Taylor, the England Women wicketkeeper, announced she was undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in a bid to rid herself of anxiety issues that have resulted in such acute panic attacks that she had to run off the field.

Richard Holdsworth, the performance director of Cricket Ireland, said Thompson was in touch with experts to get over his condition. "Stuart is getting expert support which we are confident will get him back in the game soon. Stuart will continue to take a break from the game but hopes to be back very soon. We would again ask that he be allowed to recover in private for the immediate future."