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Background: Cricket scenario across the globe has undergone tremendous changes in the last two decades. Premier league designs have exposed the players to immense aggression, competitiveness, and expectations. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of yoga in facilitating mindfulness among asymptomatic male cricket players. Methods and materials: First-class domestic male cricket players in the age group of 18-35 years from the Karnataka State Cricket Association were randomized into yoga group n=40 and wait-list control group n=42. Players received the yoga module for five days/week for a duration of six weeks. Five-facet mindfulness questionnaire was given at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and a follow-up after six months of intervention. Statistical analysis: Group differences in the change in parameters over time was modelled using linear mixed-effects regression method using the lme4 package in R, as two groups were compared over three unevenly spaced assessment time points. Findings: Comparison of the model fit indicates a significant (p<0.001) difference between the model as compared to the baseline model among all the five facets. There was no significant effect (p>0.001) at either time or group, however, there was a significant interaction effect at T2 (immediate post-intervention) among all the facets. No significant interaction effect (group*time interaction) was found in the follow-up study. Application: Regular practice of this yoga module may enhance the likelihood to maintain a state of mindfulness among the male cricket players. Integrating yoga into the competitive world of cricket appears to be promising in enhancing mindfulness.

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Background: Injury surveillance and prevention are as significant as early detection and treatment. This study describes injuries and risk factors involved so that preventive measures can be identified. Aim: To examine the epidemiology of the annual musculoskeletal injuries among injured male cricket players. Method: This study assessed 319 male cricket players, across five State Cricket Associations from January 2017 to January 2018. Results: With an annual injury prevalence of 10.97%, prominent anatomical sites of injury were shoulder (22.85%), lumbar spine (17.14%) and knee (11.42%). Medium pacers sustained 25.71% of the injuries. Age range of 18-24 years had a prominent 37.14% of overuse injuries of which 71.42% were lumbar spine injuries. Lumbar spine injuries resulted in a distinct loss of play days (34.64%). Bowling injuries with 49.5% of loss of play days was most predisposed. Report suggests an upswing in rate of injuries in December (20%). Four surgeries were reported (11.42%). Conclusion: Overuse injuries among young cricket players need prompt attention. Shoulder, lumbar spine and knee are principal anatomical regions that are prone to injuries.

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