National Cricket Research Articles

Exploring the impact of sleep on emotional and physical well-being in professional cricketers: a cohort study over an in-season training period.

Professional athletes navigate a multitude of unique challenges associated to sport-specific factors (e.g., training, travel and competition) and non-sport factors (e.g., performance pressure, stress and anxiety) that can interfere with healthy sleep behaviors. Sleep plays a key role in proper biopsychosocial development as well as short- and long-term biological, physical, psychological, and cognitive health. As poor sleep quality is known to impair proper brain function, this study aimed to investigate the effect of sleep quality on a professional athlete's ability to train, recover, and perform, as well as their overall emotional and physical well-being. A cohort study was performed in 40 professional male cricket athletes from the Dutch national cricket team (mean age 26.5 ± 5.1 years). The athletes were monitored across a 22 weeks in-season training period. Sleep quality and overall emotional and physical well-being were assessed using daily sleep diaries and questionnaires which scored the readiness to train, stress levels, fatigue, muscle soreness and flu symptoms respectively. Quality of sleep and subsequent association with the consecutive elements of the well-being questionnaire were assessed through statistical using the student t-test and clinical differences with the methodology of Osoba and colleagues: <5% "no change", 5%-10% "little change"; 10%-20% "moderate change"; and >20% "very much change". The results demonstrated that the professional athletes assessed their sleep quality as average with a mean score of 3.4 out of 5. Lower perceived quality of sleep (<75th percentile) was correlated with a decreased readiness to train (mean score 3.2 [IQR: 3.0-4.0] vs. 3.5 [IQR: 3.0-5.0]; P < 0.001) and increased extent of muscle soreness (2.7 [IQR: 2.0-3.0] vs. 2.3 [IQR: 2-3]; P < 0.001), stress level (mean score 2.3 [IQR: 2.0-3.0] vs. 1.9 [IQR: 1.0-2.0]; P < 0.001) and perceived fatigue (mean score 2.9 [IQR: 2.0-3.0] vs. 2.3 [IQR: 2.0-3.0]; P < 0.001). Likewise, in patients with lower perceived quality of sleep, the proportion of players presenting with flu symptoms increased over 4-fold (4.1% vs. 17%; P < 0.001). This study highlights that good sleep quality positively influences the overall emotional and physical well-being of professional athletes. Our results emphasize the importance of targeted sleep interventions to improve sleep quality and subsequently optimize psychological and physiological wellness.

Comparative analysis of motor fitness components in women's cricket teams: a study of national and BKSP players in Bangladesh

Objective. This study aimed to compare the motor fitness components between the Women's National Cricket Team and the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) Women’s Cricket Team, two pivotal entities in the realm of women's cricket in Bangladesh. Methods. The subjects for this study were chosen at random from a pool of thirty (30) National level women cricket players from National Camp and thirty (30) women cricketers from BKSP. Various motor fitness components, including speed, agility, abdominal strength, and power of the arm and shoulder, were evaluated using standardized fitness tests. The chosen players were between the ages of 17 and 25. They have 4-13 years of training age at the time of collection data of them used to practices under the supervision of qualified coaches. For statistical analysis, mean, SD, and independent “t” test were measure throw SPSS software. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results. The findings revealed significant disparities in motor fitness components between the two teams. Notably, the Women's National Cricket Team exhibited superior performance in terms of speed, agility, and power of the arm and shoulder compared to the BKSP women’s cricket team where calculated t value were significant at 58 df at 0.05 level. However, no significant differences were observed in abdominal strength between the two teams as calculated t value were found to be not-significant at 58 df at 0.05 level. Conclusion. The comparative analysis underscores the distinctive strengths and areas for improvement within the Women's National Cricket Team and the BKSP Women’s Cricket Team. The outcomes of this study could inform targeted training programs and strategies tailored to optimize the motor fitness components specific to each team, ultimately enhancing their overall performance and competitiveness at the national and international levels.

Cross-Sectional Study to Explore the Prevalence of Shoulder Impingement and Its Association with Training Volume Among Cricketers in Sport Academies of Faisalabad

Purpose: Cricketers are vulnerable to high-risk injuries. Throwing and striking are the two activities that put the most strain and effort at the shoulder joint and leads to shoulder impingement and other problems. To explore the prevalence of shoulder impingement and its association with training volume among cricketers in sport academies of Faisalabad.&#x0D; Methodology: It was cross-sectional study. Study was conducted from November 2018 to January 2019. Sample size of the study was 116. Convenient sampling technique was used to enrolled participants in study. Inclusion criteria of the study were the cricket players of age between 13 to 22 years, practice regularly in sport academies of Faisalabad. Players of Faisalabad cricket academies including, Saeed Ajmal International Cricket Academy, Eden cricket &amp; Fitness center, Combined cricket club, National Cricket Club, Lyallpur Gymkhana cricket club and Prince Gymkhana Cricket Club, Faisalabad were interviewed and evaluated for the presence of shoulder impingement. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Data was presented in forms of tables and graphs.&#x0D; Findings: Out of 116 cricket players, 28.44% were spinners, 41.37% were fast bowlers and 30.17% were batsmen. Shoulder impingement was found to be present in 49(42%) of the cricketers in sport academies of Faisalabad. Chi- square test showed a statistically significant association between shoulder impingement and training volume (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Recommendations: Shoulder impingement had a prevalence of 42% in cricketers of Faisalabad. A statistically significant association was found between shoulder impingement and training volume among cricketers of sport academies in Faisalabad. This study was informed by the BiomechanicalTheory, emphasizing the importance of considering mechanical stressors on the shoulder region in cricketers. To reduce the occurrence of shoulder pain among cricket players, practitioners should emphasize proper biomechanical techniques in training programs, with a focus on shoulder joint stability and injury prevention strategies. Policymakers should advocate for sports injury prevention programs that incorporate fundamental biomechanical concepts into training curricula, ensuring cricket players' long-term shoulder health and ensuring the sport's long-term viability.

A Study on the Impact of Various Motor Fitness Characteristics on Performing Ability in High and Low-Performing Divisional Women Cricket Players

Background: Motor fitness has a big impact on the cricket performance pyramid. Objectives: The research concentrates on certain motor fitness components to improve playing competency in both high- and low-performing Divisional women cricket players. Methods: For this study, 36 female players were randomly selected as subjects from the Bangladesh Women's National Cricket League held in Sylhet in 2022-23. They ranged in age from 16 to 27 years. Three equal groups of twelve people each were formed from the chosen subjects. Khulna, Sylhet, and Dhaka teams were represented by Group I, Group II, and Group III, respectively. Regular exercises and training were provided to enhance the player's performance in the game. Our research scholar additionally prepared the questionnaires with the help of the literature review. The researcher reported the following motor fitness factors: explosive leg power, speed, agility, and cardiovascular endurance. The generated data were gathered during the competition and statistically evaluated after the competition by applying ANOVA and Post Hoc Test (Tukey HSD). The researcher used the statistical software package SPSS version 26 for data analysis. Results: The results of the study showed that there were significant differences in motor fitness characteristics between high and low-performing Divisional women cricket players. High-performing players had significantly better scores on cardiovascular endurance (p=.000), explosive leg power (p=.013), speed (p=.002), and agility (p=.000) than low-performing players. The Champion Team (Sylhet) of the league was discovered to be more successful than other teams in achieving high-level performance. Conclusion The study concluded that to execute the best gaming plan, playing skill exclusively depends on physical condition and a stress-free mind. The study highlights the importance of motor fitness characteristics in cricket performance. The findings may have implications for developing training programs tailored to improve specific motor fitness characteristics for players at different performance levels.

Delinking “The Gentleman’s Game”: Visual Epistemic Representations in the Film Shabaash Mithu

Indian Hindi language sports drama films centered on cricket function as performative documentaries depicting the lives, accomplishments, and trajectories of cricketers playing for the India men’s national cricket team, also known as Team India or the Men in Blue. These films, as cultural artifacts, are embedded in the establishment of a homogeneous episteme that consistently fails to offer alternatives to unsustainable development and pluralism of knowledge. Their persistent renditions of hegemonic masculinity and the gendered structure of cricket shape the politics of representation, positioning women of all classes, castes, and ethnicities as “others” in the sphere of mediated sport. In this regard, the Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama film Shabaash Mithu (2022), directed by Srijit Mukherji and streaming on Netflix, serves as the first feasible approach to display the inspirational and empowering journey of Mithali Dorai Raj, the former Test and ODI (One Day International) captain of the India women’s national cricket team. In this paper, we argue that delinking and unlearning the dominant episteme associated with the representation of cricket in Indian Hindi films brings forth an episteme that can make the cultural representations comprehensive. In doing so, we analyze the multifaceted visual epistemic representations and establish that Mithali Raj and her team not only experience the subjugations of epistemic hegemony but also delink those and make their episteme visible in layered ways.

How Can Claims Be Brought against Sporting Organisations?

The unincorporated status of sporting organisations might pose a problem to parties wishing to sue a sporting organisation in jurisdictions like England and Sri Lanka which do not have statutory provisions enabling these organisations to be sued in their own name. This article considers the question of how sporting organisations can be sued for breach of contract in common law jurisdictions, taking as its case study the recent claim brought by Upul Chandika Hathurusinghe (the former Head Coach of the Sri Lanka Men’s National Cricket Team) against the governing body for cricket in Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka Cricket.

From Munich to Christchurch: International Sport and the Threat of Terrorism

The 1972 Munich Olympic Games is remembered for the terrorist attack which resulted in 11 members of the Israeli team being killed. It highlighted that sporting events and teams can be targeted by terrorists due to the high media profile that major sporting events attract. Since this time, high level security has been an important organising consideration for the Olympic Games, something that has increased since the September 11 attacks in the United States in 2001. Other sporting teams, namely the Togo national football team and the Sri Lanka national cricket team, have likewise been targeted. The international aspect of many sports requires extensive touring to other countries, and this has resulted in various touring teams being in places that have been terrorist targets, as the New Zealand national cricket team experienced in Pakistan. New Zealand is not a region of the world prone to terrorism problems, but the March 15 attack on a Christchurch mosque could have led to loss of life amongst the touring Bangladesh national cricket team. No region or country is free from potential terrorist attacks involving sporting teams.

The Indian Premier League: The creation and management of a global sports branding phenomenon

This case study examines the factors contributing to the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) becoming the leading professional T20 cricket league in the world. From its inception, in 2008, IPL has been a spectacular success — its popularity and profitability are now on par with such established sports leagues as the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB) and English Premier League. While IPL was a late entrant among professional T20 competitions, it quickly captured the imagination of cricket lovers worldwide and has managed to sustain the excitement even during pandemic times. IPL’s present brand value is in excess of US$6bn, and its unconventional and innovative branding tactics have helped it break into non-traditional market segments and expanded the reach of cricket. From attracting top international cricketers to incorporating Bollywood glamour, partnering with major Indian business houses and displaying extravagant spectacles involving DJs and cheerleaders, IPL has pushed the envelope of a sport that was known for its conservatism and stodginess. Brand IPL has become a prized cash cow for its parent, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), propelling it to the status of the richest cricket board in the world. While there have been plenty of critics and naysayers, IPL continues to be the gold standard that other national cricket boards benchmark against and emulate. The paper offers a set of managerial precepts and guidelines for use by brand executives even in disparate industries and sectors.

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.

THE GAME-BASED CRICKET BOWLING SKILL EXERCISE MODEL FOR CHILDREN AGES 12-15 YEARS

Abstract. The aim of this study is to produce a game-based cricket bowling skill exercise model by testing the effectiveness of improving bowling skills in children aged 12-15 years. The method used in this study is research and development from Borg and Gall by using 10 stages. The research subjects for group trials and effectiveness are (1) small group trials of 16 children at SD Negeri 15 Pagi Pondok Bambu, (2) large group trials of 25 children at SMP Negeri 2 Kebakkramat, and (3) tests effectiveness of 40 children at Karanganyar Cricket Club.The data collection technique used is the result of expert validation and effectiveness test through an assessment instrument with t-test statistical data analysis. The validity test used by expert justification test, presented 3 experts consisting of: 1 games lecturer, 1 cricket lecturer, and 1 national cricket coach. The final model is produced 15 bowling cricket skill exercise models. The effectiveness test model uses the skills results of cricket bowling. The improvement of bowling cricket skills results showed a significance of t count=14,512, db=39 and p-value=0.00&lt;0.05, which means that there is a significant difference between before and after being given the training model treatment, the pre-test average was 2.23 smaller than the post-test average is 4.47. It can be concluded that the game-based cricket bowling skill training model developed is quite effective for improving bowling skills in children aged 12-15 years.

EFFECTIVENESS OF KINESIOLOGICAL TAPE IN MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME OF GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCLE

Objective: To see the effectiveness of kinesiological tape in myofascial pain syndrome of gastrocnemius muscle for the early recovery after injury and thus increase functional outcome.&#x0D; Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: National cricket academy Lahore and Sports and Spine Professional’s Clinic, Defense Phase-IV Lahore Pakistan, from Aug 2017 to Oct 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: Consecutive sampling technique was used to enrol the patients of myofascial pain syndrome based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were selected and the kinesiological tape was applied thrice a week for two consecutive weeks. the patient was then re-evaluated after every two days of previous kinesiological tape application in terms of the visual Analogue Scale.&#x0D; Results: It was observed that kinesiological tape had a significant effect on pain reduction of the myofascial pain syndrome of the gastrocnemius muscle (p&lt;0.001). There was a significant reduction of pain level after application of Kinesio tape till 4th application with pre-treatment means 6.70 ± 1.45 that was reduced to 2.98 ± 2.24 in post-treatment (p&lt;0.05). In addition, there was no significant reduction of pain between the 5th and 6th application with mean for the 6th session as 2.96 ± 2.27 (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The Kinesiological tape has a significant effect on pain reduction of gastrocnemius muscle suffering from myofascial pain syndrome. The application of kinesiological tape has maximum effect up to its 4th application. After 5th session of taping, the effect was almost constant.&#x0D; Keywords: , , , .

Overcoming Disabilities Through Sports: The Inspiring Story of Rahul Ramugade

Parasports, and sports for disabled persons, has been a lesser known area in India, with all efforts to support disabled individuals focusing on broader social and health infrastructure inputs and employment avenues. This article looks at how sports for disabled people (parasports) can be a powerful enabler and tool for empowerment, through the journey of Rahul Ramugade, a Mumbai-based parasportsperson who has been part of the national wheelchair cricket team, and has also formed and led the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket team.

Indirect tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships in the Indian Premier League 2020: Tobacco Industry's continuous presence in Indian cricket

BackgroundIndian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament - a shorter version of the sport which is played between assorted company-owned or individual owner teams - has grown immensely popular over the last decade. There is long history of tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) in cricket. While direct and indirect TAPS is completely prohibited under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 the nexus between tobacco industry and cricket in India continues. We monitored any tobacco product and allied brand or surrogate advertisement, promotion, sponsorship (TAPS) or placement during every match played in the IPL-13 season in the year 2020. MethodsUsing an investigative approach, 60 match highlights during IPL-13 (during September 19 to November 10, 2020) were monitored for TAPS (both on-site i.e. sportswear and/or in stadia) shown on the official website (www.iplt20.com). All sponsors and advertisers were validated using brand names or logos from their respective official website. ResultsTwo IPL teams (Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore) were sponsored by major tobacco industry owned brands. Violations by a major smokeless tobacco company promoting their brand extension product i.e. Vimal Elaichi, on the official telecast websites (www.espncricinfo.com and www.cricbuzz.com) and television channels (www.Zeenews.india.com/Gujarati) was observed. Tobacco companies i.e. Kamla Pasand and ITC Limited were also listed as associate sponsors for the 2020 championship. ConclusionDespite comprehensive ban under India's tobacco control law (COTPA, 2003), sponsorship by tobacco industry was found widespread in IPL-13. Advertisement and logos of tobacco companies are persistent during the telecast and promotion of the IPL events, in clear violation of India's tobacco control legislation and Article 13 of WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) and its guidelines. Given that India and South Asia comprise the largest audience for televised cricket, strong exclusion criteria is needed by the international cricket authority and national cricket associations to ensure compliance with the national law and global good practice, making the cricketing world truly tobacco free.

“It’s not just cricket”—exploring the expectations and experiences of the connoisseur sport tourist

Cricket is a team sport that dates back to the 13th Century. Its many traditions and terminologies are not the easiest to explain to someone who has never seen it before, or indeed to someone watching it live for the very first time. In 2018, over a thousand Test Match Cricket spectators were approached at two 5‑day Test Matches between New Zealand’s Black Caps and England, the first of which was the first ever Day–Night Test Match fixture scheduled between the two teams. A post-trip survey was sent out to 860 valid email addresses collected within the grandstands at Auckland’s Eden Park Stadium and, a week later, on the grass embankments at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval. The aim of the study was to capture spectator satisfaction, expectations and experiences of Test Match Cricket. This study profiles the expectations and experiences of 86 English sport tourists who completed the online questionnaire, all of whom had travelled over 18,000 km specifically to follow their national cricket team. The findings both support and strengthen those published within some existing cricket-related studies, suggesting that the format and frequency of the fixture significantly influences the mindset and movements of the target market. The recommendations focus on the importance placed upon the social interaction encountered during the fixtures and the need to ensure that the local hospitality generates a positive sport tourist experience.

Risk factors for dominant‐shoulder injury in elite female Australian cricket players: A prospective study

The objectives of this prospective cohort study were to examine the risk factors for dominant-shoulder injury within the Australian women's national cricket league during the 2017-2018 season. A total of 115 elite female cricketers were included with a mean (SD) age of 26.0 (4.4) years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression determined the relationship between physical performance and musculoskeletal screening tests and dominant-shoulder injury. Fourteen players developed dominant-shoulder injuries (12%) throughout the season. No demographic or physical performance tests were risk factors. Univariate analysis revealed shoulder IR:ER strength ratio (OR = 1.84, P = .01), back foot hip abduction strength (OR = 0.973, P = .049), and back foot hip adduction: abduction strength ratio (OR = 1.44, P = .047) were significantly associated with injury. Only shoulder IR:ER strength ratio remained significant (P = .016) in the multivariate logistic regression model with a 79% increased risk of shoulder injury for every 0.1 ratio increase. This study identified that within elite female cricketers, a shoulder IR:ER strength ratio >1.00 is the strongest risk factor for developing shoulder injury. Therefore, injury risk reduction programs in elite female cricketers should focus on keeping the shoulder IR: ER strength ratio closer to 1:1 to minimize shoulder injury burden.

Lower Extremity Kinematics of the Successful and Unsuccessful Cricket Pull Shots of the Malaysian National Cricket Batsmen

This research is about the kinematics analysis of the lower extremity of the cricket batsmen at the attempt of successful and unsuccessful pull shots. Data were recorded from (n = 18) Malaysian cricket batsmen by using two video cameras. Repeated measures ANOVA was applied for statistical analysis. Results showed the back lift, angular movements of the knees, hips joints, velocities of the left knee, hip and bat were significantly faster at successful pull shot than unsuccessful shots. It was concluded the higher angular position of knees and hips joints increase the vertical position of batsmen to execute a successful pull shot. The cricket coaches are required to focus on the improvement of high backlift, a higher extension of knees and hips, faster movement left leg and bat the time of bat-ball impact. These kinematics of the lower extremities are a key point for the execution of successful pull shot in cricket.

Stumped! The limits of global governance in a commercialized world of cricket

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the shifting nature of governance reforms, both at global and national levels, in the increasingly commercialised game of cricket. The authors explore the inter-relationship and linkages between governance and commercialism, and in the process, question the contemporary reliance placed on governance as a generic counter-commercialist force and accountability aid.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on a comprehensive analysis of cricketing archives, newspapers and online media. The authors specifically utilise a range of review reports, governance and accounting information from annual reports and websites of the International Cricket Council (ICC) as well as different national cricket governing bodies (NCBs).FindingsThe paper vividly demonstrates the importance of recognising the specific significance of different cultural traditions and modes of organising – and not presuming a particular form of impact. The findings highlight that the adoption of a dominant market logic by cricket administrators has resulted in a shift in the balance of power in favour of non-western nations. India has emerged as the clear leader and driving force shaping the way cricket is globally governed. The consequences have been profound but not in terms of delivering, enhanced standards of transparency and accountability. Drawing on institutional theory, the paper argues that the scale of the Board of Cricket Control of India’s financial and operational control over the ICC has not only led to an increasingly commercialised game but engendered divergent and highly questionable standards of governance at the level of NCBs.Originality/valueUnlike other global games, cricket has an imperialistic root, and has gone through the process of globalisation in relatively recent times. Also, the commercialisation of cricket has resulted in the global economic and power base shifting from the West to the East, giving us the opportunity to study the dynamics between commercialisation and governance in a quite different globalisation context that allows an assessment to be made of the culturally contingent nature of governance as a substantive organising force.

A sequential principal component-based algorithm for optimal lineup and batting order selection in one day international cricket for Bangladesh

ABSTRACTDetermining the optimal lineup and batting order have ever been a challenge in ODI cricket for the Bangladesh team management. Over the years, we have seen them trying different batsmen in various positions and the process is still going on. While a stable batting order is crucial for long-term success in the game, this is understandably a difficult problem to decide because there are so many determinants that a team needs to consider. These determinants are usually correlated and optimally mapping them into a single dimension can help us make the problem easier and comment about what’s best on statistical grounds. In this article, we propose a sequential principal component-based algorithm to evaluate the players’ performances in batting and bowling, and to order the batting positions of the recent Bangladesh national cricket team players to find the best squad. In particular, the first principal component explains a substantial portion of the variation in a linear combination of some commonly used measures of cricket prowess. The algorithm focuses on obtaining the best batting line-up using successive principal components for each position. We also layout different strategies of team formation based on the bowling performances for different conditions and pitches.

First person profile: Olufunmilayo "Funmi" Olopade, MD, FACP: An expert in cancer genetics, Dr. Olopade has spent her career helping to fight the disease on multiple continents.

First person profile: Olufunmilayo "Funmi" Olopade, MD, FACP: An expert in cancer genetics, Dr. Olopade has spent her career helping to fight the disease on multiple continents.

Cricket, society and religion: a study of increasing religiosity in the national cricket team of Pakistan

In the 1990s, two major controversies struck Pakistan cricket– match-fixing and increased religiosity within the team. I argue that these issues represent the culmination of changes that Pakistan and Pakistani cricket had been experiencing since the country’s birth in 1947. Specifically, I examine, through fieldwork (September 2015 – November 2017), how the idea of redemption through religion came to be the ‘moral’ response to an ‘immoral’ period of match-fixing in Pakistan cricket. Therefore, while the character of the team was affected by overarching sociopolitical trends whereby religion and certain religious groups became increasingly prominent in the public sphere, it was also moulded by influences that were specific to the cricket team. These influences came together at a particular moment and culminated in the overt religious character of the cricket team. The ‘local’-level examination, therefore, complicates our understanding of the larger processes and their ability to shape the culture within the team.