BEHIND THE BAT AND BALL: A STUDY OF MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AMONG PAKISTANI CRICKETERS

Abstract

This study is a qualitative work on mental health experience of the Pakistan national cricket players using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of in-depth interviews with eight male first-class cricketers. Based on an interpretivist approach, this is a study that examines the complex interaction between psychological issues and pressures that influence the psychological well-being of players. Analysis indicated five superordinate themes that included twelve themes and thirty codes in which superordinate themes included Mental Health Challenges, Stigma and Barriers, External Pressures, Substance abuse and Cultural Context. Within these, Prominent mental health challenges were mentioned, including: performance anxiety, aggression, emotional regulation challenges and fear of injury, all coupled with the strong national and cultural expectations that are placed on players. Stigma and barriers to mental health care became major barriers; with cultural taboos and a lack of access to psychological care leading to a lack of help-seeking. It is also said that outside forces such as the media attention, financial shortcomings, and the expectations of the public added to the stress at a psychological level. It is the cultural situated context, especially family influence and rural-urban differences in resource access, which also conditioned the experience of players. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions, integration of psychological support within cricket organizations and system-wide changes to address the issues of stigma and external stressors. This study adds new understandings to the mental health advocacy for elite cricket players in Pakistan and the importance of holistic approaches that focus on individual, social and cultural determinants to foster mental well-being and sustainability of performance in professional sports.