Pak star withdraws from national team; check top women cricketers with mental health issues

Veteran Pakistan cricketer Nida Dar has withdrawn from national women's team selection because of mental health issues. This is the first instance in the country's cricket when a cricketer withdrew from the national team due to psychological ailments.

Nida, 39, was the former captain of the Pakistan women's cricket team. She has taken a break from cricket as she is reportedly grappling with mental health issues.

"In the past few months, a lot has happened around me personally and professionally, which has taken a toll on my mental health. Therefore, I have decided to take a break from cricket to focus on myself. I request everyone to respect my privacy during this time," said Nida.

Well, Nida is not the only woman cricketer in the world to face this kind of issue. Some women cricketers across the globe have come out by speaking openly about their struggle with mental breakdown. Even many top women cricketers were forced to leave their favourite game due to mental health issues. Let’s have a look at some of those top cricketers…

Meg Lanning

Australia’s six-time World Cup-winning former women’s cricket team captain Meg Lanning was forced for her early retirement at 31 due to bouts of depression and weight-loss due to ‘over-exercising and under-fuelling’.

Sarah Taylor

England cricketer who suffered mental health issues was wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Taylor, who won the 2017 Women’s World Cup at home. 

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Taylor was renowned for her lightning glovework and had 232 dismissals to her name. However, Taylor shocked the English cricket community after announcing her retirement from the game citing anxiety-related issues, which took a toll on her batting.