Extreme Ways! Pakistan Cricket Team To Train With Army For 10 Days To Boost Fitness
In a bid to bolster the fitness levels of the Pakistan national cricket team, all eyes are now on their upcoming training regimen. With experts and former players closely examining their activity levels, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proactively addressed concerns.?
10-day boot camp for Pakistan team? ?
In an unconventional move, players are set to participate in a 10-day rigorous training program alongside the Pakistan Army. This session, running from March 25 to April 8, comes immediately after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on March 18.??
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision, hoping that the players would elevate their fitness levels 'up to speed'.
"When I was observing the matches in Lahore, I don't believe any one of you hit a six that soared into the stands. Whenever a six like that was struck, I used to assume a foreign player must have done it. I have directed the board to devise a plan to enhance the fitness of every player. You'll need to put in a concerted effort for that," ESPNcricinfo quoted Naqvi as saying.
"We have New Zealand coming up, followed by Ireland, England, and the T20 World Cup. I pondered, 'When will we train?' but there seemed to be no time. However, we've identified a window, where we've arranged a camp in Kakul (military academy) from March 25 to April 8. The Pakistan Army will be involved in your training, and hopefully, they'll assist you," he added.
Misbah-ul-Haq's?military salute on field
In Pakistan cricket, it's not uncommon for players to train with the national army to get fit again. During Misbah-ul-Haq's time as captain, the team organized a training camp with the military at Kakul Academy to prepare for a Test series against England.
During the series,?Misbah scored a century in the first Test and then celebrated by performing 10 pushups, followed by a military salute.
Naqvi also stressed the importance of players prioritizing national duties over focusing on T20 leagues.?
"I'm not going to say you mustn't earn money, or ask you to make sacrifices we are also not ready to make. But let me give you one example. One year ago, I was asked to become the chief minister of Punjab, and it caused me a financial loss in my business. I had to leave that aside and incur several extra costs. But I had a desire to represent Pakistan, and so I had to make that sacrifice," he said.
"I will support you 100 per cent, but I'll just ask you to make Pakistan your first priority, and T20 leagues your second priority. It's unfortunate when money becomes the first priority and the country second. If you do that, then we might have a problem. We can even look at central contracts and bolster them further if you desire, but you must be available for Pakistan first and foremost," Naqvi added.
For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit?Indiatimes News.
