Bio Bubble, it might start affecting players’ mental health

Last updated on February 16th, 2021 at 07:07 am

The concept of a bio bubble, more commonly, was first introduced during the Indian Premier League. The whole procedure was designed such that cricketers and other staff members involved in matches are kept safe from the Covid-19 infections. It was a way to combat the fast-spreading virus but still continuing the sports event.

After the success of this concept, India and Australia series also happened with similar arrangements. But cutting themselves from the rest of the world and living in constant scrutiny of officials who are there to test players for Covid-19 after every fixed time interval is beginning to take a toll on the mental health of these players.

In a report carried out by the Times Of India, one of the Indian players confirmed that players were so stressed out that they just wanted the series against Australia to end. Cricketers, or any sports person for that matter, are used to playing in stadiums and courts filled with people but due to the pandemic, the same is not happening.

Considering all these factors, it will not be strange when few of the Indian cricketers give up amid the ongoing test against England excusing themselves of some of the other issues. But given the fact that people and the Indian side are so passionate about the sport, it is not impacting their performance on the field because their mental health is the one that is suffering the most.

The same was pointed out by the former South African captain Faf du Plessis, who also plays for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Along with du Plessis, limited over captain for the Australian team Aaron Finch has also felt the same.

du Plessis said, “I think there would definitely be a point when players will struggle with this bubble.” He also added that he has heard a lot of players talk about it and feel that it definitely is not sustainable.

Even the Australian captain, the Finch, warned the sports psychologist who was traveling with the team saying that it will definitely affect the cricketers. “If COVID bubble and hubs continue for a long time, that will be something that’s looked into, no doubt. The welfare of players is paramount and being locked up for months is pretty unsustainable, when you’re away from your families and your families can’t travel.”

It is especially difficult for domestic events like the Mushtaq Ali trophy. One of the players who talked to the Times of India confirmed saying that it is indeed very difficult in such events as in IPL, due to the scale of the event, we at least have balcony but in domestic events, we are locked up in a typical hotel with no way of getting out.

Due to this very reason, it is highly possible that as the Australian team, other cricketing teams also start letting a sports psychologist come with them. As per reports, the Australian players are hugely benefited by this.