Pakistan team psychologist offers services to KKR

After legendary pacer Wasim Akram expressed his availability for the Kolkata Knight Riders as a bowling consultant, Pakistan team psychologist has now offered his services to the Kolkata-based IPL franchise.

Dr Maqbool Babri told PTI on Monday he had sent a note to the Kolkata Knight Riders management offering his services to have counseling sessions with their players.

"So far I have not got a response from the KKR people but I have told them I think I can help them by removing any negativity in the minds of their players who have struggled in the first two seasons of the Indian Premier League," Babri said.

Babri had counseling sessions with the Pakistani players before the Twenty20 World Cup in England which was won by Pakistan.

Pakistan captain Younis Khan and coach Intikhab Alam have also said that the sports psychologist would also work with the players in the conditioning camp being set up for the Champions Trophy in Lahore from September 1.

Babri said he was interested in working with the Kolkata Knight Riders team as he saw it as a professional challenge to help lift the performances of their players for IPL III.

"They have some great players but the positive energy and self belief is missing in their team. They need to work together and think positively collectively," Babri said.

Babri said he was a qualified psychologist and physiotherapist and sports psychology was one of the branches of his profession.

"I personally have a great love for cricket and it was a great experience working with the Pakistani players," Babri said.

Incidentally, the Kolkata Knight Riders team is also holding talks with Akram to sign him on their support staff.

Wasim met with Shah Rukh Khan and Saurav Ganguly in Mumbai but has made it clear he is keen to work as bowling coach and cricket consultant with the KKR team.