Former Pakistan cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed has suggested star batter Babar Azam to take a break in order to regain his form. Mushtaq Ahmed shed light on the mental health challenges faced by prominent players, particularly emphasizing the struggling form Babar Azam.
The right-handed batter played five Test matches in 2023 and could only yield 204 runs at a dismal average of 22.66 with the highest score of 41.
In an interview with a local news channel, Mushtaq Ahmed expressed concerns about the unrecognized toll that such pressures can exact on a player’s mental health. He underscored the balance between short-term success and the long-term mental health of players, citing the need for breaks in their rigorous schedules.
“Babar has given outstanding performances, and he is our hero. He is considered one of the top players in the world. However, he faced challenges with the losses in Asia Cup and the World Cup, and subsequently losing the captaincy amid rumors and difficulties. Often in our culture, we fail to realize the need for breaks. Babar Azam needed a mental break as he was fatigued,” Ahmed explained, advocating for rest periods to prevent burnout.
He suggested a strategic break for Babar, skipping a few matches to recharge and refocus, highlighting the risk of declining performance due to mental fatigue.
‘Virat Kohli took a break and came back stronger’
Drawing parallels with global players like India’s Virat Kohli, Ahmed highlighted the effectiveness of breaks during rough patches. “Worldwide, we provide coaching, and when a player is mentally troubled, a break of 2 or 3 matches is recommended. When Virat Kohli faced a slump, he took time off, returning stronger,” Ahmed emphasized.
Ahmed also highlighted the responsibility of team management in recognizing and addressing the mental health needs of players like Babar Azam. “Management plays a crucial role; they should have advised Babar to take a breather,” he concluded.
The insightful remarks by Mushtaq Ahmed underscore the growing significance of mental health awareness in cricket, advocating for a more holistic approach to player well-being, especially for cricketing stalwarts like Babar Azam.
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