In modern day cricket, every player needs to be fit along with skills of batting and bowling. Fitness is key to success for fielding and also they have to play many series that require a high level of fitness.
As a result of this, national and internationals teams keep trainers who set strict regime to keep their cricketers in fine shape.
But Pakistan players are not concerned about fitness, as a result, their key players failed the fitness test under the guidance of a trainer, Grant Luden. Some of the senior cricketers like Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Akmal failed to attain the standards set by Luden. Interestingly, two of the senior most players in the team Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq were said to be the fittest players.
“The fitness trainer of the Pakistan team, Grant Luden, and his team have devised a points system for the fitness tests with 17 set as the benchmark for players to confirm their fitness is of required level. Unfortunately, some players could not reach the benchmark,” Press Trust of India quoted PCB official as saying.
There are financial rewards for players if they are able to achieve the girls set, but they will also be fined in case of failures.
There is a serious need for these cricketers to up their fitness level, with the long tour of England, set in July. Newly appointed a coach, Mickey Arthur, has also stated he will be tough on players’ fitness.
Pakistan cricketers will be looking forward to the tour, and help their team emerge victoriously. Pakistan have been below par in their last two major events, Asia Cup, and World T20, which has led to some changes in their team as well. Coach Waqar Younis resigned as head coach and has been replaced by Arthur.
Besides other changes, Inzamam-ul-Haq has also been appointed as the chief selector.
Stuart Law and Arthur Moores denied to be the coach of Pakistan then Micky Arthur agreed to accept the offer. Arthur who is infamous for his “homework get” incident during his stint as Australian coach.