(PCB Photo)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to implement stringent fitness tests for its players ahead of the much-anticipated Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place at home later this month.
The PCB aims to ensure that only the most physically prepared players represent the Pakistan cricket team at the highest level.
Pakistan cricketers to undergo challenging fitness evaluations ahead of Bangladesh series
According to Cricket Pakistan, players selected for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh will be called in for fitness testing on August 9, with the tests scheduled for August 10.
Some players may undergo assessments earlier depending on their availability. The PCB will administer a thorough multi-level fitness evaluation to rigorously assess the physical readiness of the players.
Additionally, the PCB has decided to postpone the announcement of central contracts to ensure that only those who meet stringent international fitness standards are offered contracts, aiming to raise fitness benchmarks in Pakistani cricket.
To further intensify preparations, certain Test players will participate in two critical four-day matches against Bangladesh A before the Test series begins on August 21 in Rawalpindi. These matches will serve as both a fitness test and an opportunity for players to gain valuable game time.
It is anticipated that star pacers Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza will feature in the four-day matches against Bangladesh A, providing them with a chance to refine their skills and prepare for the upcoming series.
Pakistan players will undergo five to six distinct fitness assessments
Pakistan players are set to undergo five to six different fitness assessments, crafted to meet international standards. This rigorous testing process is designed to foster a competitive environment, challenging players to meet and surpass the high fitness benchmarks required for international cricket.
The PCB’s focus on fitness aims to enhance the performance and discipline of the Pakistan cricket team. Bangladesh is scheduled to visit Pakistan on August 17 for a two-match Test series, part of the ICC WTC 2023-25. The first Test will be held in Rawalpindi on August 21, with the second and final Test taking place in Karachi on August 30.
In the meantime, the PCB has announced the addition of three new tournaments for the upcoming domestic season, spanning from September 2024 to August 2025. The PCB has crafted these tournaments to “bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.”
The new tournaments feature a five-team Champions series with the Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves. The schedule is as follows: the Champions One-Day Cup will be held from September 1 to 29, the Champions T20 Cup from December 21 to January 2, and the Champions Pentangular (first-class cricket) from May 28 to August 5.
