Western cricketers more likely to have mental health issues: Misbah-ul-Haq on playing in bio-bubble

Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq feels that western cricketers are more prone to mental health issues if international matches are continued to be played in a strict bio-secure environment.

Misbah feels that Pakistani players are mentally very strong due to their social environment and so they can get through this period of 'bio-secure environment'.

"Yes, it is an issue about players and team officials facing mental health issues if the cricket continues to be played like it is being held right now. As far as Pakistan is concerned I think our players due to their social environment are mentally very strong so they can get through this period.

"But yes I believe in the long run, players and officials from western countries could be facing more such problems because their culture is different from ours," Misbah-ul-Haq said in an interview to the Cricket Baaz YouTube channel.

"For them, I think this existing Covid-19 environment that has been created to ensure cricket is played is more of a challenge," Misbah added.

Misbah conceded that restricted and isolated conditions in England helped the Pakistani players and officials a lot despite being difficult. "I think it was good for us because communication improved between management and players, the players were supporting each other a lot and generally the bonding in the team improved a lot."

“Staying indoors all the time, the movement being restricted and not being able to go out with freedom does take a toll on the players and even officials.”

Misbah said the sooner things normalized the better because if the Covid-19 threat continued for more months, it would create uncertainty as to how big events would be played and in what environment.

“Staying indoors all the time, the movement being restricted and not being able to go out with freedom does take a toll on the players and even officials.”

Misbah said that he had decided to step down as chief selector for a number of reasons, but he had every intention of completing his three-year tenure as head coach.

"I have completed one year in the job and there are a lot of things to be positive about.

"There has been development and progress in the team and more importantly I can say with confidence that the mindset and approach of the players to white-ball cricket has changed for the better.