Ireland's Stuart Thompson is receiving treatment for performance anxiety

Performance anxiety can negatively affect self-esteem and self-confidence, and the 24-year-old all-rounder has decided to take a temporary break from the game after withdrawing from recent Ireland and North-West Warriors fixtures.

“I have realised it is in my best interests and everyone else involved in the squad and Cricket Ireland to be open and honest about my situation,” said Thompson. “I have been struggling this season which culminated in needing a complete break from the game.

“With the backing of Cricket Ireland, I have received expert help and I now understand a lot more about my condition.”

“I am now looking forward to practicing methods to manage my anxiety and hope to return to cricket very soon. I’ve the best team around me to help me through it and looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth added: “Stuart is getting expert support which we are confident will get him back in the game soon.

“Stuart will continue to take a break from the game but hopes to be back very soon. We would again ask that he be allowed to recover in private for the immediate future.”