Pakistan players to undergo rigorous fitness test before Bangladesh series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to conduct rigorous fitness tests for its cricketers ahead of the highly anticipated Test series against Bangladesh at home later this month.

The PCB wants only the fittest players to represent the Pakistan cricket team at the highest level.

Pakistan cricketers face tough fitness tests before Bangladesh series

According to Cricket Pakistan, Pakistani players who are set to be picked for the upcoming two-match Test series will be summoned on August 9, with the fitness test set to take place the following day on August 10.

However, some players might be tested earlier based on their availability. The PCB will conduct a comprehensive multi-level fitness test designed to find out the Pakistan players' physical readiness rigorously.

The PCB has also decided to delay the announcement of the central contracts because they want to offer the contracts to those players who meet the stringent international fitness standards to raise fitness benchmarks in Pakistan cricket.

Adding another layer of intensity, certain Test players will participate in the two crucial four-day matches against Bangladesh A ahead of the two-match Test series, starting on August 21 in Rawalpindi. This game serves as both a fitness test and an opportunity for players to gain valuable game time before the Pakistan vs. Bangladesh Test series later this month.

It is being said that the Pakistan cricket team’s star pacers Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza are expected to feature in the four-day match against Bangladesh A, providing them with a platform to fine-tune their skills and game time before the crucial home assignments.

Pakistan players to undergo five to six different fitness tests

It is also being said that the Pakistan players will undergo five to six different fitness tests, with assessments designed to align with international standards. This rigorous fitness test process is expected to create a competitive environment, pushing players to meet and exceed the high fitness requirements necessary for international cricket.

The PCB’s decisive move to prioritize fitness promised to improve the Pakistan cricket team’s performance and discipline. Notably, Bangladesh is set to visit Pakistan on August 17 for a two-match Test series, which is part of the ICC WTC 2023-25. The first test will take place in Rawalpindi on August 21, followed by the second and final test in Karachi on August 30.

Meanwhile, the PCB has unveiled three new tournaments for the upcoming domestic season, which will run from September 2024 to August 2025. The PCB has designed these tournaments to "bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket."

The new tournaments include a five-team Champions series featuring 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 will run from December 21 to January 2, and the Champions Pentangular (first-class cricket) will take place from May 28 to August 5.