Male Cricketers Research Articles

Effect of short duration high-intensity plyometric training combined with dynamic stretching on speed in male cricketers

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cricket is a very popular sport played in several countries and has undergone drastic changes with years. In modern day cricket, sprinting speed is considered to be an essential athletic quality and needs to be focused on while training these players. Plyometric training (PT) helps to enhance muscle power and a long training duration has shown to improve sprint performance. Dynamic stretching is demonstrated to enhance performance in subsequent dynamic concentric external resistance, power and sprint time. However, little evidence is available on effects of short duration high-intensity PT on speed in cricketers. Previous research has focused on interventions lasting 4–8 weeks, whereas our intervention spans just 2 weeks. AIM: The aim is to study the effect of short duration high-intensity PT combined with dynamic stretching on speed in male cricketers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty male cricketers were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups – Group A (PT group) and Group B (Conventional training group). Group A underwent PT protocol combined with dynamic stretching for 2 weeks (3 sessions/week) whereas Group B underwent conventional training for speed given at clubs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Paired and unpaired t-test was used for intra-group and inter-group comparison of data, respectively. RESULTS: Subjects of Group A showed statistically significant improvements in speed post intervention. However, Group B did not show any statistically significant increase in speed. CONCLUSION: A short duration high-intensity PT protocol combined with dynamic stretching has a significantly positive effect for enhancing speed in young male cricketers.

Exploring the Multidimensional Characteristics of Selected and Non-Selected White British and British South Asian Youth Cricketers: An Exploratory Machine Learning Approach

Selection into a County Age Group (CAG; under 10–18) programme is the first step for young aspiring cricketers on their journey to achieving professional status. Recognising that the British South Asian (BSA) community represents 30% of those who play recreational cricket compared to less than 5% of those who are selected to play at the professional level in England and Wales, it is important to better understand the characteristics of selected and non-selected players based on ethnicity to identify potential sociocultural differences during selection. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the multidimensional factors that differentiated between selected and non-selected adolescent male cricketers as well as between White British (WB) and BSA selected players into a CAG programme. A total of 82 male participants aged between 14 and 17 years were included (mean = 15.3 ± 1.1 years: selected n = 33 and non-selected n = 49: WB n = 34, BSA n = 44, Other n = 4). In total, 104 characteristics were measured over nine tests, which were subsequently placed into five overarching factors: (a) physiological and anthropometrical, (b) perceptual–cognitive expertise, (c) psychological, (d) participation history, and (e) socio-cultural influences. A Bayesian binomial regression was performed in rSTAN using a weak normal prior to highlight differentiators in selection as well as differences between WB and BSA selected players. The results highlighted that athleticism, wellbeing and cohesion, the number of older brothers, and being born in birth quarters two and three were positively correlated with player selection into a CAG. Conversely, increases in psychological scores, a greater number of younger brothers and older sisters, as well as antisocial behaviour resulted in a reduced chance of player selection. Finally, several developmental factors (i.e., athleticism, wellbeing and cohesion, psychological distress, and levels of anti-social behaviour) differed based on ethnicity. These exploratory findings serve as a useful opening to highlight there are important differences to consider based on selection and ethnicity in CAG cricket.

Association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference with leg power in cricketers

Cricket is one of the most well-known sports played in India. It not only comprises of aerobic activity but also includes complex-based movements like running, jumping, diving, catching, etc that depend on various individual factors such as height, weight, power, endurance, agility etc. ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between BMI, Waist circumference with leg power in cricket players. DesignThe study was a cross-sectional assessment-based study. SettingPlayers from different clubs and associations were included. Participants43 male and female cricketers from both recreational and professional backgrounds, between the age group of 16–25 years were included in the study. Main outcome measuresParticipants were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria using validated screening tools and assessment protocols. The BMI, and WC using a weighing scale and measuring tape respectively, and leg power was measured using the vertical jump test which is a commonly used tool to measure an athlete's ability to explosively drive themselves off the ground in a vertical direction, providing insight into the strength and power generated by the lower muscles. ResultsA significant negative correlation was found between Waist circumference and Leg power with r value of −0.338 with p = 0.023. While a significant but weak negative correlation was found between BMI and Leg power with r value of −0.279 with p = 0.070. ConclusionPresent study concluded that waist circumference has a significant negative correlation with leg power than BMI in cricketers.

Annual incidence and prevalence of injuries in elite male academy cricketers: A 4-year prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of injuries; time-loss and non-time loss, in elite male academy cricket. DesignProspective cohort analysis. MethodsAnnual injury incidence and prevalence from all cricket related injuries were calculated for 348 male academy players (under-13 to under-18) from the 18 First-Class County Cricket clubs in England and Wales across four years (2017/18, 2018/19, 2020/21 and 2021/22), in accordance with the updated consensus statement for injury surveillance methods in cricket. ResultsThe average annual injury incidence was 115.0 injuries/100 players/year, with similar rates between time-loss (59.7 injuries/100 players/year) and non-time loss injury incidence (55.3 injuries/100 players/year). On average, 8.5 ​% of players were unavailable on any given day of the year due to injury. Match injury incidence (48.8 injuries/100 players/year) was higher than cricket-based training (25.2 injuries/100 players/year), gym-based training, illness, and ‘other’ injury incidences. Match bowling was the activity associated with the highest total (17.7 injuries/100 players/year), time-loss (10.3 injuries/100 players/year) and non-time loss (7.4 injuries/100 players/year) injury incidence. The lumbar spine was the body location most frequently injured (15.3 injuries/100 players/year) and was the most prevalent body location injured (2.9 ​% of players). ConclusionsThe findings from this study provide, robust evidence of the extent of the injury problem in elite male academy cricketers. Bowling poses the greatest risk to players and the lumbar spine is the most common and prevalent injury location.

Effect of plyometric versus complex training on core strength, lower limb, and upper limb power in male cricketers: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundComplex training is found effective in improving physical performance in various sports. There is a paucity of research evidence comparing the efficacy of complex vs. plyometric training in cricket players. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of complex and plyometric training on physical performance parameters in cricket players.MethodsParticipants (n = 42 Male; age group = 18–26 years) were randomly allocated into three groups, complex training group (CTG) (n = 14; BMI = 20.51 ± 2.23), plyometric training group (PTG) (n = 14; BMI = 20.57 ± 2.82), and control group (CG) (n = 14; BMI = 20.51 ± 2.23). CTG and PTG received their respective training twice weekly, and CG received routine training for four weeks. Pre and post-intervention assessments of core muscle strength (CM), multistage fitness (MF), push-up (PU), lateral cone jump (LCJ), and stationary vertical jump (SVJ) were performed. This study has been registered in clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT05646914, on 05/12/2022).ResultsA significant difference was observed between CTG vs. CG for CM (p ≤ 0.01), LCJ (p < 0.05), and SVJ (p ≤ 0.01), similarly in PTG vs. CG for CM (p-value), LCJ (p ≤ 0.05) and SVJ (p ≤ 0.01). However, No significant difference was found between PTG vs. CTG for any variables (p ≥ 0.05). Also, No significant difference in MF and PU was found between the groups (p ≥ 0.05).ConclusionsComplex training has been found to have effects similar to plyometric training alone. Therefore, either of the two strategies can be used to improve the performance of male cricket players.

Sunglass tint does not impact the indoor catching performance of cricket fielders.

Sunglasses are worn by outdoor athletes such as cricketers for many reasons, including comfort and glare reduction, which may help to improve vision. Anecdotally they are purported to have performance-enhancing benefits, but there is a lack of evidence for this. Further, it appears that fielders are the only position in cricket who wear sunglasses. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the catching performance of fielders when wearing three different colour sunglasses tints during an indoor, laboratory-based experiment. Twenty-one male cricketers currently playing for a university or amateur provincial teams in Makhanda, South Africa, who were non-habitual sunglass wearers, were recruited for this study. An optometrist administered pre-screening tests. Players had four testing sessions during which they wore a different colour tint at each session indoors (clear, blue, G30 (rose), and red). Players were required to catch 18 balls projected from a bowling machine. The number of balls caught, as well as the quality of the catch, was recorded. At the final session, they were asked which tint they thought was best. Pre-screening tests showed that the red lens was best for contrast sensitivity and stereopsis. During data collection, sunglass tint did not affect catching performance. The players perceived the red lens as the worst and the G30 as the best. It can be concluded that catching performance indoors is not affected by tint colour.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and its impact on the health-related quality of life among the cricketers

Cricket is that the hottest sport in India far and away, and is played almost everywhere. It is increasingly demanding sports, so require skilled movement and physical fitness. The continuous changing posture of the bats man are causing the complications like pain and discomfort affecting the day to day functions, so as quality of life. A necessity was felt to assess the health status and quality of life of the cricketers for which Occupational Therapy treatment can be implemented to overcome the physical discomfort and to give better quality of life. This study aims to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and its impact on physical and mental health-related quality of life among the cricketers. The study included a quantitative cross-sectional design which was conducted among the male cricketers sampling from different cricket and cricket club in Tamilnadu. Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0 Questionnaire was used to determine the impact of musculoskeletal problems on the physical and mental health- related Quality of Life. Based on convenience sampling 50 male cricket players were included with age range of 18-33 years and the study results concluded that, out of 50 participants 48 (96%) of the population have trouble in last 12 months (such as musculoskeletal ache, pain, discomfort, numbness) in different parts of body. The Physical composite score and Mental composite score mean was 39.95 and 49.58 respectively which associated with a lower health-related quality of life among cricket players specifically in the domains of physical functioning, physical health, bodily pain as well as emotional problems and energy/fatigue resulted in considerably lower HRQoL. The relationship impact of variables having trouble in last 12 months, showed a p-value for variables of shoulder (p = 0.00526) and wrists/hands (p = 8.4e-06) were significant in impacting the PCS and the p-value for variable Wrists/Hands (p = 0.0439) was significant in impacting MCS. Similarly, the correlation impact variables of having trouble in last 12 months of being prevented from carrying out the normal activities, showed a p-value for variables of shoulder (p = 0.000362) and wrists/hands (p = 0.002213) were significant in impacting the PCS. This study concluded that male cricketers have a high level of prevalence of musculoskeletal problems especially in shoulder, wrists/hands and neck followed by the lower extremity and these high prevalence (i.e., variables of shoulders, wrists/hands and neck) musculoskeletal problems have significant impact in their physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health-related quality of life.

A Survey of Psychological Skills in State Level Female and Male Cricket Players

The investment in modern sport is affected by different mental, sociological, physical, and physiological components. The trainers and coaches have begun giving more significance to the mental abilities or developing the psychological make of the players before their contacts in the main competition. The distinction among progress and disappointment of two similarly coordinated with competitors relies upon a person's capacity to adapt to the apparent pressure of rivalry. The purpose behind the research study was surveying the psychological skills of state level cricket players in India. The quantity of subjects picked for this examination was 30 male and 30 female cricketers age range between 20 to26. Michel J Mahoney's Psychological Skills Inventory (PSIS) used for psychological surveying. Confidence, Motivation, Concentration, Mental Preparation, Team Emphasis and anxiety were the variables of the investigation. Male and female cricketers have a similar level Anxiety. Female cricketers have fundamentally more elevated level Concentration when contrasted with male cricketers. On Mental Preparation, confidence and Team Emphasis male have fundamentally more elevated level when contrasted with female cricketers. Female and male cricketers have a similar level Motivation. Also, on psychological skills Female and male cricketers have similar degree of Skills. The purpose of this research study is to empower the players, mentors and physical education teachers to know the limits and shortcoming of the players and along these lines assist them with improving further performance on related characteristic.

Professional athlete responses to new product development: A dialectic

ABSTRACT Research Question Although scholarship focussed upon professional athletes has grown considerably, their perspective remains underrepresented within the sport management literature. Accordingly, this study gives voice to such athletes by exploring their perspectives with regard to the demands, opportunities, and tensions arising from a new sport product innovation that has significantly impacted their profession. Research Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 professional male cricketers competing in two of the world’s most prominent professional T20 cricket leagues. Interviews were thematically coded to reveal central athlete perspectives, and representative quotes were used to support the analysis. Results and Findings Two central insights emerged. First, professional athletes internalised a consumer demand for entertainment arising from the advent of T20 cricket, resulting in modifications to their individual frontstage self-presentation. Whilst not a conscious branding exercise, these modifications demonstrated a tension between pursuing athletic performance on the one hand and entertainment on the other. Second, despite the significant financial opportunities that T20 cricket affords, athletes emphasised the intrinsic interpersonal benefits of the product innovation. This included experiential elements around cultural immersion and personal development as well as newfound opportunities to form relationships within an otherwise fiercely competitive work setting. Implications This study contributes to a small body of work exploring professional athlete perspectives, revealing candid backstage insights surrounding lived experiences within the profession. The findings are particularly significant to athlete branding work in that they illustrate how professional athlete self-presentation can be influenced by performative pressures emerging from consumer-driven product innovation.

A cross-cultural approach to issues of male dominance and domestic violence

Harmful masculine norms, attitudes, and behaviours are considered the cause of most cases of gender-based violence against women and girls in most parts of the world. This premise applies to the patriarchal society of Sri Lanka as well. Regarding various policy-level efforts made to reduce the frequency of gender-based violence in Sri Lanka, this paper explores the efficacy of adapting a cross-cultural evidence-based approach to gender relations tried under the Parivartan programme in India in an effort to improve masculinity-based gender norms in Sri Lanka. The programme’s content and consensual validities are assessed by using the Delbecq technique which involves experts from a variety of relevant fields. At the onset of the programme, each expert independently rates the relevant concepts and teaching techniques that are generally used by cricket coaches on male cricketers of 12-14 years. Towards the end, after a group discussion by experts, a second rating is made of the same concepts and teaching techniques. The two ratings are compared, and the programme is revised to suit Sri Lankan society. The Sri Lankan experience of the cross-cultural evidence-based approach to gender relations inspired by the Parivartan programme in India shows satisfactory content and consensual validities. Therefore, this paper argues that the Delbecq technique is a useful tool to devise in improving masculinity-based gender norms in the society of Sri Lanka.

Selection into youth cricket academies: The influence of relative age and maturity status

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine the birth quartile and maturity status distributions of male academy cricketers. Participants included 213 junior cricket players, aged between 9 and 18 years. Players were separated into birth quartiles and also grouped as early, average or late maturers. For the whole cohort, there was a medium effect bias towards players born in BQ1, but the number of early, average and late maturers was as expected. However, there were significantly more early maturers in the U10 and U11 groups than expected, and maturity distributions of the BQ groups showed that there was a small effect size bias towards early maturers in BQ4. Selection biases towards cricketers who are born earlier in the competitive year are consistent from U9 to U16, but more prevalent in the U12 and U14 age groups. There is a bias towards early maturers at U10 and U11, but this reduces as age increases. Practitioners working in academy pathways should be encouraged to assess the maturity status of players to assist in the retention and progression of players. Relative age effects should also be considered, and strategies may be required to identify players born later in the year.

Efficacy of whole body resistance band training on physical parameters in male cricketers: RCT Study

Introduction: Cricket is a widely played sport, characterized by intermittent movement efforts of varying intensities such as bowling and batting. The study aimed to assess the effects of whole-body resistance band training on physical components of cricketers. Methods: Twenty state-level cricket players aged 18-25 years were included and randomly allocated into two groups. In control group (n=10), only regular cricket training was given, while in experimental group (n=10) resistance band training was given along with regular cricket training, 3 times/week for 6 weeks. The outcome measures: upper and lower abdominal strength, endurance, coordination, power, and balance of upper extremities were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: The results suggested a statistically significant improvement in control group for upper &amp; lower abdominal strength, power and balance of the upper extremity (p&lt;0.05). In experimental group, all outcome measures showed statistically significant improvement (p&lt;0.05). Between groups comparison indicated statistically significant difference for all outcome measures (p&lt;0.05) except for upper abdominal strength (p=0.470) and upper body coordination (p= 0.146), suggesting more progress in experimental group than control group. Conclusions: The resistance band training along with regular cricket training improved the physical performance of cricketers, which may enhance overall performance and prevent injuries in cricketers.

A study on coping skills among male cricketers of different age category

A study on coping skills among male cricketers of different age category

Effect of hip adductor strengthening on performance in young male cricket players

Cricket is a dynamic sport in which muscle strength, agility and aerobic capacity play vital role in sports performance. Weak hip adductor muscles are an intrinsic risk factor for groin injuries so this study evaluated effect of hip adductor strengthening on performance in cricketers.Methodology: 30 Young male cricketers included in the study. Group A and Group B was given routine cricket training programme and Group A was given additionally hip adductor strengthening programme. Results: Intragroup comparison showed statistically significant improvements in Vertical jump, Agility T-Test and 20-m Multistage shuttle run test in the both groups (p

Repeated Bout Effect of Two Resistance Training Bouts on Bowling-Specific Performance in Male Cricketers.

To examine the repeated bout effect (RBE) following two identical resistance bouts and its effect on bowling-specific performance in male cricketers. Male cricket pace bowlers (N = 10), who had not undertaken resistance exercises in the past six months, were invited to complete a familiarisation and resistance maximum testing, before participating in the study protocol. The study protocol involved the collection of muscle damage markers, a battery of anaerobic (jump and sprint), and a bowling-specific performance test at baseline, followed by a resistance training bout, and a retest of physical and bowling-specific performance at 24 h (T24) and 48 h (T48) post-training. The study protocol was repeated 7–10 days thereafter. Indirect markers of muscle damage were lower (creatine kinase: 318.7 ± 164.3 U·L−1; muscle soreness: 3 ± 1), whilst drop jump was improved (~47.5 ± 8.1 cm) following the second resistance training bout when compared to the first resistance training bout (creatine kinase: 550.9 ± 242.3 U·L−1; muscle soreness: 4 ± 2; drop jump: ~43.0 ± 9.7 cm). However, sport-specific performance via bowling speed declined (Bout 1: −2.55 ± 3.43%; Bout 2: 2.67 ± 2.41%) whilst run-up time increased (2.34 ± 3.61%; Bout 2: 3.84 ± 4.06%) after each bout of resistance training. Findings suggest that while an initial resistance training bout reduced muscle damage indicators and improved drop jump performance following a second resistance training bout, this RBE trend was not observed for bowling-specific performance. It was suggested that pace bowlers with limited exposure to resistance training should minimise bowling-specific practice for 1–2 days following the initial bouts of their resistance training program.

Association Of Explosive Power And Endurance Among Cricketers Of State Level

Background: Often, cricket is stated as an aerobic sport; however, when broken down, the game is played by the players performing at various speeds and intensities-jumping, sprinting, catching, diving, majority of the play is in intervals, and the activity does not last for extended periods (e.g., batting, bowling, fielding, wicket keeping, making a run). The study aims to determine the association between explosive power &amp; endurance in state-level cricket players. Previous studies have investigated physical performances concerning injury incidence and prevention. In this study, physical aspects such as power and aerobic and anaerobic fitness shall be considered. Also, due to the lack of evidence and studies in this literature, it is essential to find an association between the explosive power and endurance among cricket players at the state level.Methods: The present study was conducted in Faridabad, with 100 male state-level cricketers from different cricket academies included in the study. Subjects in the age group of 16-23 were taken in the study. Screening and assessment protocol was followed to select participants. Performance tests were measured. Explosive power with vertical jump test and endurance using yo-yo intermittent recovery test level.Results: The study results revealed that the correlation between explosive power and VO2 max was .237* and was significant at .017.Conclusion: The study concluded that explosive power is positively correlated with the V02 max levels in state-level cricketers.

Hamstring flexibility between male and female cricketers with low back pain: A comparative study

Cricket is a global sport traditionally popular in the commonwealth nations. Low back pain is one of the common ailments in sports and one of the causative factors for the low back pain is reduced hamstring flexibility. Low back pain is highly prevalent in cricketers. Hamstring injuries have always been one of the highest frequency injuries in cricket. The aim of the study is to compare the hamstring muscle length of male and female cricket players associated with low back pain. A sample size of 50 cricketers among the age group of 19-25 were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A include 25 male cricket players and Group B include 25 female cricket players. Hamstring flexibility is measured using (AKET) active knee extension test. The results obtained shows that there is significant difference in hamstring flexibility between male and female cricketers with low back pain.

Evolution of anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of international male cricketers from 2014 to 2020 in a World Cup winning nation

The aim of the study was to firstly present a comprehensive physical profile of international cricketers in a World Cup winning cricket nation. Secondly, to describe changes in physical profiles across seven years. Fifty-two senior international cricketers’ physical profiles were retrospectively analysed across seven years. Using linear mixed-modelling, changes in stature, body mass, sum-of-8 skinfolds, sprinting time (10 and 40 m), run-2 time, counter movement jump (CMJ), push and pull strength capacity and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level-1 (Yo-Yo-IR1) were analysed during a seven-year period. There were no significant changes in body mass ( p = .63) or stature ( p = .99) during this time. However, there was a significant ( p &lt; .001) mean decrease of ∼14 mm in the sum-of-8 skinfolds. Distance covered in the Yo-Yo-IR1 also showed a significant ( p = .002) effect of years, with a mean increase of 459 m in 2017 when compared with 2014. A significantly ( p = .01) more balanced push-to-pull strength capacity ratio was also evident across years as a result of a significant ( p &lt; .001) increase in pull strength capacity. Significant ( p &lt; .05) fluctuations in CMJ, sprint and run-2 time were seen, with no obvious trends. International cricketers within our study have gone through a notable physical transformation that has likely resulted in an increase in lean mass and aerobic capacity. The change across time to a more balanced push-to-pull strength capacity may be beneficial for injury prevention.

Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders among cricketers playing in domestic clubs of Lahore.

To assess musculoskeletal disorders among male cricketers in an urban centre. The cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2020 in Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised male cricket players aged 10-25 years playing in four domestic clubs. Data was collected about musculoskeletal disorders experienced during the preceding 12 months using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 89 players with a mean age of 19.24±3.12 years, 35(39.3%) were bowlers, 26(29.2%) were batsmen, 17(19.1%) were all-rounders, and 11(12.4%) were wicketkeepers. The anatomical distribution of disorder was lower-back 68(76.4%), shoulder 40(44.9%), neck 39(43.8%), upper-back 37(41.6%), knees 31(34.8%), ankle/feet 29(32.6%), thighs 27(30.3%), wrist/hands 18(20.2%), and elbows 17(19.1%). There were 22(24.7%) players who had at any time seen a doctor or a physiotherapist, while 24(27%) players had a history of taking sick leave. The most affected anatomical segments were lower-back, shoulder, knee, ankle and upper-back.

UK professional male cricketers’ mental health and support experiences: A qualitative exploration

Recently, UK professional cricket has seen tragic events, powerful testimonies, and increased media attention surrounding mental health, yet the experiences of players and the support they receive has continued to receive limited academic attention. Our study bridged that gap by qualitatively examining UK male professional cricketers’ experiences of mental health and mental health support. Through interviews with 15 current and former male UK professional cricketers, who had an average of 14 years’ experience, three key themes were developed: (1) The emotional rollercoaster of a career in professional cricket, (2) local vs national level mental health support and, (3) nourishing vs malnourishing player’s mental health. Firstly, a career in professional cricket had highs and lows that both stimulated a player’s mental health and led to mental health issues and impaired performance. Secondly, while national level mental health support was endorsed, the support was found to be reactive. Due to the continued perceived stigma and lack of openness at the local (County) level, players reported feeling uncomfortable to reach out for support. Lastly, by providing stability with contracts, helping players prepare for and through transitions, encouraging the development of healthy habits, and coaches communicating effectively and investing in their relationships with players, organizations have the potential to nourish, protect, and enhance professional cricketers’ mental health throughout their career. Our study has important implications for counties by highlighting the role and responsibility they have in breaking down stigma, creating an open and supportive environment around mental health and nourishing player’s mental health experiences. Lay Summary: Interviews with 15 male UK professional cricketers revealed the importance of local and national cricket clubs supporting and protecting player mental health. Specifically, via reducing perceived mental health stigma, providing stability with contracts, helping players prepare for transitions, encouraging healthy habit development and effective coach relationships and communication. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Organizations at the local (County) level must recognize the key role and responsibility they have in breaking down the current stigma that exists around mental health and work toward creating an open and supportive environment where players can feel supported and comfortable seeking out mental health support. Organizations can also help protect and enhance professional cricketer’s mental health throughout their career. To achieve this, organizations at the local level should provide stability with contracts, help players prepare for and through transitions, encourage the development of healthy habits from an early age and lastly, coaches should communicate effectively and openly and invest in their relationships with players.