The Pakistan team management will reportedly take strict action against players with low fitness levels. The fitness level of Pakistan cricket players in the national team has been a topic of debate since the 2023 ODI World Cup, with many players struggling to run around the ground while fielding.
Former Pakistan cricketers, including Wasim Akram and Mishab-ul-Haq, criticized Pakistani cricketers for not maintaining their fitness levels. Many cricket experts believe that the poor fielding and lethargic attitude displayed by Pakistani cricketers is a direct result of their low fitness levels.
According to a recent report in GEO News, the Pakistan team management is unhappy with the fitness level of the players. The report further added that the Pakistan cricketer gained weight during the away series against Australia and New Zealand.
Pakistan toured Australia for a three-match Test series in December. However, Shan Massoud’s side lost 3-0 to Pat Cummins’ hosts and returned home scoreless. Babar Azam, who resigned as captain following Pakistan’s exit from the ODI World Cup, averaged 21 runs and scored just 126 runs in six innings.
Pakistan then played a five-match T20I series against New Zealand and began preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in June in West Indies and the United States. However, Shaheen Afridi’s Men in Green lost the series against the Kiwis 4-1.
Wahab Riaz reveals all about Pakistan’s fitness athletes
Former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz criticized the fitness level of the players after the three-match Test series against Australia.
During the Test series, Pakistan’s poor catches and sloppy fielding made headlines, raising questions about their fitness level.
Wahab Riaz, who became the chief selection committee, accused the former Pakistan team management and PCB higher-ups of overlooking the fitness level of the players. He revealed that Pakistan’s players cannot even run short distances but the team management could not do anything.
“I agree. There should be fitness tests. I’ve heard news reports that some players…The previous team management told everyone not to ask questions about player fitness at all. “This is not our fault, this is my fault.” ” Riaz told a Pakistani news channel.
“I don’t know the logic behind this. Maybe we were too easy on the athletes. Let me tell you, some of them couldn’t even run two kilometers,” he added.
Published: Monday, January 29, 2024, 4:27 PM IST