The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will implement strict fitness tests before finalizing central contracts for the upcoming year. The tests, scheduled between September 6 and 8 in Lahore, will involve both currently contracted players and those from international and domestic circuits. White ball head coach Gary Kirsten, along with the team’s physiotherapist and trainer, will oversee the process.
Following the fitness evaluations, players will travel to Faisalabad for the Champions Cup. According to a reliable source within the board, the results of these tests will play a significant role in deciding contract awards this year, with player performance also being a key factor.
Foreign coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have emphasized that fitness will be a primary criterion for player selection. Gillespie expressed dissatisfaction with the fitness levels of some players during recent Test matches against Bangladesh, highlighting their struggle to maintain intensity throughout the games. Kirsten shared similar concerns regarding player fitness in meetings with selectors and board officials.
The fitness tests will assess various aspects of player conditioning, including gym training, stamina, endurance runs, and the yo-yo test. Currently, the PCB has central contracts with around 27 players, but this number may be reduced based on the national team’s performance over the past year. Pakistan’s recent 2-0 Test series loss to Bangladesh has sparked criticism of both players and board officials, contributing to the potential contract reductions.
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