Muhammad Hafeez, the Director of Pakistan Cricket, has taken a firm stance on the physical fitness of the national cricket team players. Recognizing a need to improve the team’s fitness and fielding levels, he has re-implemented fitness tests for all team members.
This decision comes after it was disclosed that these tests had been stopped by the earlier team management, which included captain Babar Azam and coach Mickey Arthur.
Concerned about the players’ declining fitness, especially with some struggling with weight issues, Hafeez is adamant that there will be no leniency in fitness standards from now on. He plans to personally supervise a rigorous fitness program.
These tests are to be held before any future tours and series. If a player does not pass these fitness tests, they will be ineligible for selection. The team management is determined to enforce strict measures to ensure every player meets the high standards set.
Amid these initiatives to boost the team’s performance, Hafeez is facing resistance within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He encountered opposition from the Chief Operating Officer, Salman Naseer, and other board members regarding his attempt to hold a press conference about his recent trip to Australia and New Zealand.
Additionally, there is ongoing discord within the board due to the policy decisions related to No Objection Certificates (NOCs) made by Director International Usman Wahla, adding to the range of issues currently faced by Pakistan cricket.
