Photo Credit: Afghanistan Cricket Board
The skipper says he and other players have regular work-out routines at home to stay fit during the current lockdown imposed by government to halt the spread of COVID-19 disease
National team captain Asghar Afghan says he and other national players work-out regularly at their homes to keep their fitness in-tact as the country and the world at large is mostly locked down to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fast bowler Naveen ul Haq
The skipper said that the players are in touch regularly with the national team’s S&C Trainer, Jason Douglas who sends them fitness guidelines every week to stay fit during the isolation period. “Some guidelines are customized as per player requirements based on their injury history and individual needs.” Asghar added.
All-rounder Karim Janat
Afghan said that he is also in touch with the head coach, Lance Klusner who further emphasizes on fitness so that the players do not lose the grip on skills in the long run once things are back to normal. The skipper, however, remarked that while being at home, the players can only work on fitness and not much on skills due to limitations.
Commenting further on the workout routines and facilities for players, the skipper said that some players have private facilities to practice in the nets while others have their own gym equipment at home to keep themselves fit.
Javed Ahmadi working-out at home
“I hold two sessions these days for myself. The first session from 11 AM to 1 PM in the afternoon and the second one at the evening from 7 to 9.” The skipper said regarding his personal practice schedule during the lockdown.
It is speculated that the major cricketing events, namely the ACC Asia Cup 2020 and the ICC T20 World Cup which are scheduled to be held later this year in September and November respectively, might be affected if the spread of the pandemic is not contained by then. “The crisis has affected not only cricket but all sports. We pray that the situation gets better so that we get to play the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup this year. “Afghan said as he shared his concern about the issue. “ If these events are not held, it will be a big blow for the cricketing community and the sport itself. It will also be an unfortunate phenomenon for the fans of the game who dream of seeing their players play and perform well in these tournaments. “He remarked.
Opening Batsman Najeeb Tarakai
The national captain urged everyone to respect the law and abide by the government’s guidelines to keep themselves and their families safe. He concluded “I request everyone in the country, especially the players and the sports community to abide by the government guidelines and display the discipline expected from them by staying at their homes.”
Name of Author: Afghanistan Cricket Board
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is the governing body for cricket in Afghanistan. It joined the ICC in 2001, became an associate member in 2013, and a full member in 2017. The ACB is also part of the Asian Cricket Council.
