The Ex-PCB Director has revealed that fitness standards were neglected in the Pakistan cricket team, with management and the captain instructing the trainer not to prioritize fitness checks.
After parting ways with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), former director Mohammad Hafeez appeared on a television show on A Sports, shedding light on the national team’s lack of emphasis on fitness, especially among red-ball players. Hafeez revealed that the then-captain, Babar Azam, and the coaching staff disregarded prioritizing fitness, instead encouraging players to focus solely on their natural game.
In modern cricket, athleticism and physical conditioning are not just optional but essential for peak performance.
Hafeez’s observations during the team’s tour of Australia exposed a concerning trend, where players’ fat levels had doubled due to neglecting fitness standards mandated at the international level.
“When we reached Australia, I spoke to the team, the captain (Babar Azam), and the management and told them to prioritize fitness. I asked the trainer about the standards of fitness which are being followed. But the trainer told me, six months ago, the management and captain had instructed me not to prioritize fitness and not to check the fitness of the players, and let them play their natural game,” Hafeez said.
“After six months when I observed them, the fat level, which plays an important role in the international level of the players, had transcended almost twice the standard level,” he added.
Mohammad Hafeez reveals a shocking fact, how 6 months ago captain Babar Azam along with coaching panel had told team fitness trainer, fitness isn't the priority at the moment just let the boys play how they want to pic.twitter.com/yaq2iE7vto
— Ghumman (@emclub77) February 20, 2024
Pakistan’s cricket team has faced a string of disappointments recently, including poor showings at the Asia Cup, the 50-over World Cup, and a Test series whitewash against Australia. Shan Masood took over the captaincy from Babar Azam during this tumultuous period.
More setbacks followed with a 4-1 loss in the T20I series against New Zealand. Hafeez, a former player, also highlighted the consequences of neglecting fitness, sparking further controversy after he departed from the PCB.
Last Updated on February 21, 2024
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