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Department of Sports & Exercise Medicine

ABOUT

Department of Sports Exercise Medicine at Pakistan Cricket Board offers multi-disciplinary care to athletes in the areas of Exercise Science, Sports Injury Rehabilitation, Fitness Training, Sports Medicine and Bio-mechanics.

SEM draws together sports medicine, sports science and healthcare professionals including orthopedic surgeons, physicians, physiotherapists, public health specialists, dietitians, optometrists, podiatrists, for the well being of our athletes.

Strategic Objectives

In accordance with our strategic plan, SEM key strategic priorities are:

  1. Provide leading information, expertise and education on sports medicine, injury prevention and safety in sport and physical activity
  2. Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to create healthier communities through sports medicine
  3. Research and Innovate solutions to improve athletic performance

RESOURCES & ADVICES/POLICIES/PROTOCOLS

As the peak body for sports exercise and medicine, sports injury, physical activity, and sports exercise and science in Pakistan, produces a number of policies and guidelines for the sports industry and community to promote optimal health and well-being.

Covid-19 protocols and bio-secure environment

The Pakistan Cricket Board aims to provide the best possible protection to players, staff and other key members involved in delivering the PCB domestic men and women Cricket season 2021-2022. 

Low viral load has encouraged PCB to introduce behind closed doors domestic cricket to safeguard the careers of domestic Players / Support Staff by maximising the balancing effort between status of game and risk to the health of those involved. Considering the current situation of covid-19 pandemic, in order to ensure the health and safety of players, support staff and officials involved in domestic cricket it is pertinent to set certain guidelines/SOP with which cricket can be played.  

Concussion policy

Pakistan Cricket Board considers it critical to pursue best practice in prevention and management of concussion and head trauma arising in the course of participating in PCB-sanctioned competitions and training sessions.

Key components of concussion policy are:

  1. PCB adopts the Berlin 2016 Consensus Concussion Protocol Guidelines.
  2. Baseline testing is essential. (SCAT 5)
  3. Significant helmet strikes can have sequelae and therefore players need ongoing monitoring without immediate evidence of concussion.
  4. In the event of a player sustaining head trauma, the medical doctor or appropriately trained health care professional only can make the on-field decision that a player can continue playing or return to the field of play after appropriate evaluation.
  5. Cricket will remain a six-day graded return for confirmed concussion.
  6. If a suspected concussion later turns out not to be a concussion, a doctor experienced in concussion management must make the assessment to allow return sooner than six days.
  7. The guidelines do not replace or supersede the evaluation by a doctor or appropriately trained medical/ healthcare professional.

The management in cricket is no different to any other sport and should still follow the basic premise of the Berlin Consensus 2016.

Dope Testing

Doping has become a constant preoccupation of International Sports Organisations and State Governments.

  1. A number of ICC members have their own Anti-Doping Policies / Regulations and Pakistan Cricket Board wishes to do the same.
  2. These regulations shall be part of the Constitution of Pakistan Cricket Board.
  3. The idea of introducing Anti-Doping Regulations is to ensure safety and health of the players and to respect the good values of this Gentlemen’s Game and in line with the ethics of medical practice, in true spirit of Sportsmanship and Fair Play.
  4. Pakistan Cricket Board condemns the use of Prohibited Drugs and Substances in Sports and deplores the use of Prohibited Methods by any participant. 
  5. These Regulations extend to all participants affiliated to Pakistan Cricket Board including all Domestic Players and International visiting teams.
  6. Pakistan Cricket Board supports the role of Pakistan Olympic Association and Pakistan Sports Board in its drive against Anti-doping Measures.
  7. ICC has yet to adopt these or similar Anti-doping Regulations. 

Medical and cardiac screening protocols

PCB ensures regular routine medical (blood and eye test) and cardiac fitness screening. The main goal is to maximize the health and safety of the athletes.

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

The Pakistan Cricket Board promotes innovation and sport research with a view to helping elite athletes get better results. The priorities are:

  • Boost performance
  • Increase participation
  • Promote vitality and health
  • Injury Prevention

TRAINING COURSES

  • Strength and Conditioning Trainer Courses
  • Masseur Course
  • Physiotherapy Hands On Workshop