UK professional male cricketers’ mental health and support experiences: A qualitative exploration

Abstract 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.