The Pakistan Cricket Board is planning to conduct rigorous fitness tests before handing out central contracts for the next 12 months. It would include currently contracted players along with top performers in domestic and international games.
PCB To Conduct Fitness Tests
The tests, starting from September 6 to 8, will be conducted in Lahore under the supervision of white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, team’s physiotherapist, and trainer. Following the tests for fitness, the players will leave for Faisalabad to join the Champions Cup.
According to a source in the PCB, who requested anonymity, the fitness tests carry a lot of weight in determining which players get contracts this year, though performances too will be considered. The two foreign coaches, Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, have both told the selectors and the PCB that they would base their selection largely on the aspect of player fitness.
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Players To Be Churned Out Based On Their Fitness
Gillespie reportedly expressed his irritation at the lack of fitness among a couple of players during the Test series of Pakistan against Bangladesh when their stamina and intensity waned as matches progressed. Kirsten, speaking to selectors and the PCB officials, sent out the same message, that better fitness is needed.
The tests will be comprehensive, covering gym work, stamina and endurance drills, the yo-yo test amongst others to ascertain overall fitness, the source added. For the time being, 27 players hold central contracts but the number is expected to reduce with time taking account the last one year in all formats.
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Pakistan recently faced a crushing defeat by 2-0 in recent Test series against Bangladesh. The defeat turned out to be biggest shocker for the team.
