The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is extremely serious about improving the fitness standards of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. When Babar Azam was reappointed as Pakistan’s Test captain, the first thing he emphasised was improving their discipline and fitness.
Pakistan cricketers to play padel and cricket
In a rather interesting move, the PCB has decided to make playing the racket sport ‘Padel’ compulsory for cricketers. Aaqib Javed, PCB’s high-performance director, has revealed that padel courts have been installed at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. It’s an attempt by the PCB to enhance fitness standards.
“The PCB had introduced padel courts at the National Cricket Academy to ensure players had access to modern training and recreational facilities without leaving the premises. The initiative was designed to improve players’ fitness, enhance their overall development and create a more productive environment during long training camps. Previously, players had to travel to play padel, but that is no longer the case. We want to provide an environment and facilities during long camps that help improve the players’ overall performance,” Aaqib told Geo News.
Pakistan cricketers who train at the NCA in Lahore have been instructed to play about 40 minutes of padel every other day. Aaqib explained that the fast-paced sport will help with fitness and movement patterns, and playing has a direct link to improvement in fielding. Since cricketers will be present at the facility for long camps, it’s also important for them to keep their minds fresh and have some fun. In the past, cricket teams often added other sports like football to their training routine.
“It is not necessary for players to only play cricket during long camps. Padel will be compulsory every alternate day. The sport improves fitness, while its movement patterns are directly linked to fielding, making it highly beneficial for cricketers,” he explained.
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