Former Pakistani skipper says “Fitness test level during domestic season becomes a joke”

Few Pakistani player’s fitness levels are not up to the mark

Misbah-ul-Haq, a former captain of Pakistan, questioned the team’s physical condition and noted that they had trouble moving. Cricket players used to push themselves to stay fit during their playing days, according to Misbah, who has also coached Pakistan. 

The 48-year-old shed light on the striking contrast between athletes’ fitness now and then when appearing as a commentator on a program for a local media outlet. The former cricket player emphasized the lack of a formalized fitness regimen that underlies such a culture. 

Misbah-ul- Haq Comments

Former skipper Misbah stated “Their tummies are visible; their lower are heavy and they can’t move. The reason behind this is there has not been a single fitness test, there is no benchmark.” 

“Clear cut, fitness issues are visible, Waqar left four times [as coach], I left once. Players like myself, Shoaib Malik, and Younus Khan were quite a into fitness, and we used to push ourselves. Those who push others out of their limitations are not considered good trainers nor good coaches.” 

Request to PCB

Additionally, Haq urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to make sure that players competing on both the national and international levels follow consistent fitness regimens. 

“Fitness test level during domestic season becomes a joke. We used to have arguments that we used to say that the standard used for the international level must be used for the domestic level as well. The responsible people at the domestic level always opposed us related to fitness.” 

Lack of benchmark

“Clear cut, fitness issues are visible, Waqar left four times [as coach], I left once. Players like myself, Shoaib Malik, and Younis Khan were quite a into fitness, and we used to push ourselves. Those who push others out of their limitations are not considered good trainers nor good coaches. Their tummies are visible; their lower are heavy and they can’t move. The reason behind this is there has not been a single fitness test, there is no benchmark.” 

Pakistan’s Recent Dominance

At the T20 World Cup last year, Pakistan made a strong showing in the group stage, defeating India, their arch-rivals, for the first time ever. In this year’s Asia Cup also first time India defeated Pak but later in Pakistan defeated India and knocked them out in the super four. The fight against India will get underway once more this year and Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the explosive match on 23rd October (Sunday).