PAKISTAN: The Pakistan cricket team is once again collaborated with the military seeking robust training to keep fitness on top priority, as announced by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The Men in Green are scheduled to undergo a ten-day training camp with the nation’s army from March 25 to April 8, following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on March 18. Naqvi expressed optimism that this training camp would significantly enhance the players’ fitness levels.
Addressing the players during a recent event, Naqvi said, the need for improved fitness levels, urging them to step up their efforts.
“When I was watching the matches in Lahore, I don’t think a single one of you hit a six that went into the stands. Whenever a six like that was hit, I used to think a foreign player must have hit that. I have asked the board to make a plan that gets every player’s fitness up to speed,” he stated.
Naqvi also outlined the upcoming schedule for the Pakistan team, emphasizing the importance of adequate preparation. “We have New Zealand coming up, then Ireland, England, and the T20 World Cup. I wondered, ‘When will we train?’ but there was no time.
However, we’ve found a window, where we’ve organised 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 help you out,” he added.
This isn’t the first time that the Pakistan cricket team has engaged in military training.
During Misbah-ul-Haq’s captaincy, a similar camp was previously organised at the Kakul Academy to prepare for a Test series against England. Misbah’s leadership during that time saw notable success, with the team undergoing rigorous training and even celebrating victories with military-style gestures.
Naqvi also stressed the importance of national duty over personal interests, urging players to prioritise representing Pakistan over participating in T20 leagues around the world.
“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,” he asserted.
