The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a firm stance on the fitness of its players, sending out a clear message—improve your fitness or face exclusion from the national team. After a series of disappointing performances in the past year, the PCB has decided to prioritize fitness as a critical factor for player selection and contracts, following recommendations from the team’s new coaching staff.
Coaches’ Hard Line on Fitness
According to a report by PTI, new coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten have firmly advised PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to not compromise on fitness. Both coaches emphasized that player fitness is a non-negotiable aspect of performance, and any leniency would negatively impact the team’s future. As a result, the PCB has warned 6-7 players who are part of the central contract to improve their fitness levels or risk losing their place in the team.
No Fitness, No Contract: PCB’s Clear Stance
The PCB has yet to finalize its central contract list for the upcoming cricket season, which is typically announced by July-August. Players under central contracts receive hefty annual fees based on their grades, some of which amount to millions in Pakistani Rupees. However, those failing to meet the required fitness standards could face severe consequences, including contract termination. This warning doesn’t just apply to the national team but also extends to domestic players under the PCB’s domestic contracts.
Fitness Test Set for September 30
The critical date for players is September 30, when a fitness test will be conducted under the supervision of the Pakistani team’s trainers and physios in Lahore. The results of this test will be sent to the board, which will determine the fate of the players. A few months ago, several players reportedly failed certain fitness parameters and were given a two-month window to improve. With the final test around the corner, the PCB has reiterated that only those who pass will retain their contracts.
Contract List to Shrink?
There is speculation that the PCB may also reduce the number of players included in this year’s central contract list. Last year, 27 players were given central contracts, but this number could be significantly reduced based on performance, behavior, and fitness. The new coaches, Gillespie and Kirsten, are reportedly keen to focus on selecting a smaller, more disciplined group of players to strengthen the team’s future prospects.
Focus on Discipline and Performance
Both the coaches and PCB officials believe that focusing on fitness and discipline will have a long-term positive impact on the team’s performance. Players who fail to meet these new standards could be left out not only from the national team but also from lucrative central contracts. This step by the PCB highlights its commitment to revamping Pakistan’s cricket team and bringing back the level of competitiveness expected from one of the world’s top cricketing nations.
The upcoming fitness test on September 30 will be a decisive moment for many Pakistani players, as their future with the team hangs in the balance.
