Chandigarh : The first session was focused on cardiac screening in cricket and how this is documented to a limited extent. Ms Jessica Orchard from cricket Australia discussed about the need for cardiac screening and importance of having defibrillator devices at every cricket match. The Sri Lankan delegation informed that it is the national policy in Sri Lanka to screen every citizen at the age of 14, to pick up defects in their heart and guide them about future athletic performance, which is not being done in other countries. The session was chaired by senior medical specialist from Chandigarh.
There was a brainstorming session on Nutrition and Hydration in cricket. Experts had discussed about the basic nutritional requirements for different age groups cricketers in different tropics and other zones. A talk on anti-doping methodology which is specific for cricket was also given.
Prof. Sanjay Mittal, IIT,Kanpur delivered a very informative and interesting talk, where he detailed out the technique how a cricket ball swings and does reverse swing. He used the air tunnel at IIT Kanpur, which is perhaps the best of its type in the world, and showed how the different balls used in golf, baseball and cricket ball swing or wobble in different ways. Prof. Sanjay elaborated the mechanics and basic principle of physics behind the swing and reverse swing of the ball. He proposed a theory where the knuckle ball could be made to move in a zigzag manner by a special seam position,which was proven by their Air Tunnel testing.
There was a talk on the role of artificial intelligence in sports and how it could be used in the future to minimise the injury rate by projecting the relevant issues. ”With the use of AI, understanding of the scientific and medical aspects of game, along with advances in surgical and nonsurgical treatment techniques, the chances of injury can be reduced considerably”, said Experts. A session was held where the young researchers were encouraged to present their papers and posters, and best paper, and poster awards were distributed
Mr. Andrew Gray,delivered a talk on the science behind coaching. One of the issues in cricket was about coordinating the different superstars into performing as a team. Mr Gray briefed the rules of personal management and other mental health issues which the coach should know about.
The team of physiotherapist from the BCCI showed video demonstrations of various muscle tightness in players, and most rated specific methods with which these could be reduced.
Specialise socks are available online to cure muscle tightness. While the consultants from Australia and England focused on mental health, issues of the players and how specific measures could be taken to minimise the stress factor.
Hip and ankle impingement issues, a unique injuries in cricket were discussed by senior orthopaedics surgeons from England and India. A point of note was the lecture from a doctor from the Reliance foundation who showed that there could be silent injury issues in the players, which often were of no consequence but just picked up Incidentally, when Radiology was done for other issues, this was just something for the knowledge of the medical support staff.
Specialist from West Indies, Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan and Nepal emphasise the fact that in addition to physiotherapist travelling with the team, it should not be made mandatory by the ICC that a doctor should also travel with all teams.
Age, determination of cricketers which is the problem in Age Group Cricket was also discussed and methodology to ensure accuracy of age was shown.The conference concluded with an invitation from the South African contingent, inviting everyone to the next conference which would be held in South Africa along with the World Cup in 2027
