Can the weight of expectations destroy a young cricketer?

[MenInG]

Shadab Khan is the talk of the town but so was Umar Akmal a few years ago, as was Shahid Afridi!

Is early success a poisoned chalice for young cricketers?

The PCB need to make sure that Shadab is protected and wrapped in cotton wool. Quite apart from sinister forces, well meaning people can also destroy him.

Just like in Afridi's case, we said that the 100 he scored in Kenya was the worst thing that could have happened to his career, just hope 3/7 does not become his last best performance!

 

[Rayyman]

I don't think that cricketers care about what the public expect from them.

Umar Akmal and Virat Kohli both had similar expectations. Akmal did not meet them, while Kohli exceeded them.

It's all about the individual and how much work he puts in to become the best cricketer that he can be.

 

[Mamoon]

Umar's own weight destroyed his career, not the weight of expectations.

 

[cricketInsight]

The more dangerous aspect is early success getting to their heads - a case for majority of Pakistani youngsters who fail to fulfil their potential.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Shadab doesn't have to carry a team or anything. He'll be fine.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

I have noticed Pakistani players don't aim high.
They should aim high to become best in the word not just playing for Pak and become fans' favorite.

Players like Babar, Haris, Shadab, Hasan, Amir etc should aim high to become best players in respective formats. When you aim high you put the hard work. If you are settled that playing for Pak is enough then chances of improvement are less.

 

[usmanraheel]

A lot also has to do with the environment of the system you are put in. Especially when you are coming in as a young cricketer. You need the support and guidance to reach those higher levels. I think that level of over-achieving and pushing your limits isn't really common in our team. But i could be wrong.

 

[badsha001]

umar's own weight destroyed his career, not the weight of expectations.

potw

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

The more dangerous aspect is early success getting to their heads - a case for majority of Pakistani youngsters who fail to fulfil their potential.

Exactly... Already thinking they are the best the world has ever scene. And thinking they've achieved everything destroy them..

 

[Fantasy]

Umar's own weight destroyed his career, not the weight of expectations.

) )

This had me in splits.

Can I nominate this for POTW?

 

[Langau]

Umar's own weight destroyed his career, not the weight of expectations.

loved this post. 100% POTW for me