The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented random fitness tests to evaluate the fitness levels of players aspiring for national team selection. According to a reliable source cited by The News, this measure aims to ensure that top cricketers maintain their fitness throughout the year.
“Any player could be asked to appear for a fitness test at any time. Such a step has been taken to keep cricketers fit and ready throughout the year. Say if a cricketer expects going through a fitness test randomly, he would work on his fitness and will keep himself fit and ready throughout the year. Such measures have been introduced to keep a player fit. You never know which player gets a call for national duty,” the source stated, according to The News.
Previously, players reportedly began intensive training only when international commitments or series approached. “Now it is believed that every leading cricketer, who lies in the range of radar, would make efforts to keep himself fit and ready,” the source added.
As part of this initiative, Mohammad Abbas, despite not being on the central contract list, underwent a fitness test before traveling to South Africa for the Test series. Similarly, players like Nauman Ali, Test captain Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel also completed their fitness evaluations. Last week, off-spinner Sajid Khan was called for a random test.
However, there has been some contention regarding the timing of these tests. While some players returning from South Africa were reportedly asked to appear for fitness tests, the PCB denied this claim. “We will give these players proper time to rest before asking them to appear for the fitness tests,” a PCB official clarified.
Despite this assurance, top cricketers such as Haris Sohail, Tayyab Tahir, Abrar Ahmad, and Jahandad Khan were required to play in the Champions T20 Cup final immediately after returning from South Africa.
“It is unjust to play top-class cricket straight away after getting back from such a high-profile series. Rest is a must before asking tired and exhausted players to appear in a top-class event,” said one of the managers involved in the Champions Cup.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
