Manager recommends psychologist

Yawar Saeed, Pakistan cricket team's manager on the recent tour of England, has recommended that a psychologist be attached with the players who he says lack mental toughness.

In his tour report which he submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board Sunday, Yawar says that while all the players played with passion and total commitment, when it came to mental toughness, they clearly lacked that.

"They are all good players but they need to be mentally strong and that is why I have suggested to the PCB to hire a psychologist to help them rise to the big occasions," said Yawar during a visit to the regional cricket academy at the KRL Ground Tuesday.

In England Pakistan lost to Australia in the final of the Natwest Trophy and drew the two-Test series 1-1.

"Cricket is a mind game and to dominate the rivals you have to have belief in yourself, something which the great Javed Miandad had in abundance. Miandad was mentally tough and knew how to dominate the rival bowlers, it is that kind of toughness that is required of the players on the current squad. Once they achieve this, I have no doubt that soon this team will become a really great side."

Meanwhile Yawar advised the boys at the academy to work hard and keep evaluating their performance each day. "Set aside 15 minutes every day to assess your work."

He told the players to consider cricket a noble profession and to aim high. But he advised them to keep their feet on the ground if they make it to the big league.

Yawar also appreciated the spirit of the boys and the coaches, former first class cricketers, Masood Anwar and Sabih Azhar.

"They are all keen and I am impressed with what I have seen today."