Canterbury: In a surprising move, Kent County Cricket Club has confirmed that a “faith healer” was invited during the winter to help improve the team’s fortunes ahead of the new season.
The initiative, described by the club as part of promoting “positive wellbeing”, has drawn attention across the cricketing world for its unconventional approach.
Coach reveals unusual step
Head coach Adam Hollioake revealed that the team brought in a spiritual expert to “ward off evil spirits” after a difficult previous season.
“We got a faith healer in over the winter, or a spirit healer… to ward off the evil spirits,” Hollioake said in an interview, highlighting the unusual attempt to reset the team’s mindset.
Kent endured a challenging campaign last year, finishing at the bottom of Division Two in the English county circuit, with injuries further compounding their struggles.
Club clarifies ‘wellbeing’ intent
In an official statement, the club clarified that the individual invited was a “non-denominational geopathic surveyor” who visited the St Lawrence Ground.
The visit, according to the club, was intended to support mental wellbeing and foster a positive environment rather than replace traditional training methods.
“Kent Cricket fully respects the diverse range of personal beliefs held by its players, staff, members and supporters,” the statement read.
No impact on professional training
The club was quick to emphasise that the move does not signal a shift away from established, science-based preparation methods.
It reiterated that player welfare and performance continue to rely on professional systems, including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, medical support, and structured training programmes.
“The visit did not replace, or have any influence over, any of these established practices,” the club stated.
Attempt to reset after poor season
The decision comes after a disappointing season in which Kent struggled for form and consistency. Injuries played a major role in derailing their campaign, prompting the management to explore different ways to improve morale and team cohesion.
While such practices are rare in professional cricket, experts note that teams sometimes adopt unconventional methods to boost confidence and unity, particularly after difficult seasons.
Mixed reactions expected
The move is likely to draw mixed reactions from fans and analysts, with some viewing it as a harmless morale-boosting exercise and others questioning its relevance in a high-performance sporting environment.
However, the club has made it clear that it considers the matter closed and will not comment further.
Conclusion
Kent’s decision to involve a faith healer underscores the lengths teams may go to in search of a turnaround. While the effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain, the club insists its core focus remains on evidence-based training and preparation.
As the new season approaches, attention will now shift to whether these efforts—conventional or otherwise—translate into improved performances on the field.