Pakistan players face tough fitness tests

Players will be put through rigorous physical tests in hot weather as the PCB has decided to organize a long training camp to improve fitness and technique. A one-week white-ball camp starting this Saturday is part of this broader plan.

Officials are particularly concerned about Saim Ayub’s declining performance. He is currently recovering from a knee injury.

According to details, the Pakistan cricket team has struggled for consistency across all formats for quite some time. Performances in ICC events have also been below expectations. The situation has worsened to the point where even a team like Bangladesh has managed to defeat Pakistan in three consecutive Test matches.

This has raised serious concerns among officials. A “think tank” has held multiple discussions to identify the reasons behind the decline. It was noted that players are now excessively busy and do not have enough time to work on their fitness and technique. When not representing the national team, they often participate in various leagues.

As a result, the PCB has decided to hold an extended training camp that will continue until September. Preparations have already begun. A seven-day white-ball camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore will commence on Friday, with 28 players invited to prepare for the upcoming series against Australia, running until May 21.

Under-19 fast bowlers Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan are also part of this camp. Earlier, a red-ball camp was held at the NCA with 17 cricketers participating. After the ODI series against Australia, the long-term camp will resume.

Players will be made to work hard in hot conditions, with a strong emphasis on fitness. Saim Ayub is not part of the current white-ball camp. According to sources, he suffered a knee injury while fielding in the PSL and has not fully recovered. He was scheduled to represent Kingsmen in the President’s Trophy Grade-II but is currently sidelined due to fitness issues.

He will join the camp after Eid, where officials plan to focus on improving his performance. Efforts will also be made to align players with all the modern demands of cricket, including powerplay batting.

The PCB is also keen to provide more opportunities to young talent. Strong performances by Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal have further encouraged the selectors, and pacer Ali Raza is now likely to be given an opportunity soon.