County cricketers experience mental health "rollercoaster" according to research

Academics at Loughborough University spoke to 15 current and former male professional cricketers to examine their experiences of mental health and mental health support

County cricketers embark on a mental heath "rollercoaster" during their careers, according to research from Loughborough University.

Academics at the university, led by postgraduate student Dan Ogden, spoke to 15 current and former male professional cricketers, with an average of 14 years’ playing experience, to examine their experiences of mental health and mental health support.

Their research revealed that the highs and lows of professional cricket both stimulated a player’s mental health and led to issues and impaired performance.

Short-term contracts and job insecurity were identified as contributing factors to negative mental health as was the transition from academy to 1st XI cricket. Being part of a 'family', travelling the world, playing in different competitions and playing in front of large crowds were cited as having positive impacts.

^{Warwickshire show off their two trophies at Lord's last season [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

Mental health support was found to be reactive, rather than proactive, and there remains a stigma around mental health.  

Reducing that stigma and offering greater contract stability and support during transitional periods could all alleviate mental health issues in county cricket. Away from cricket, the researchers recommend players develop healthy off-field habits and support networks.

Ogden said: "Over the last decade cricket has led the sporting discussion around mental health, yet there has still been a lack of academic attention.

"This study offers a detailed first look into mental health experiences in professional cricket and the full range of emotions player’s experience as well as highlighting the important role local organisations (counties) have in helping enhance and support cricketers’ mental health during their career."

Dr Jamie Barker added: "This is a really interesting and exciting project which starts to explore an important issue in professional cricket. While much of the media narrative is often about negative mental health experiences in cricket, our data really do demonstrate how cricket provides so many nourishing and energising opportunities for positive mental health."

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