LAHORE: Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan has given an insight into the team’s ongoing red-ball training camp.
Speaking to PCB Digital, Sajid explained that the camp is designed to bring stable domestic players together and give them adequate preparation time before the next cycle of international cricket.
“The camp is going really well. We have invited all domestic players. We are preparing for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship cycle,” Sajid said.
“It’s been a long season, and we’ve got some time in between, so we’ve set up this camp to prepare for the upcoming series, domestic matches and other events. Everything is going well in practice matches.”
The right-hander emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s red-ball structure and maintaining consistent production across all formats.
“We are focusing on Test cricket and domestic cricket and such camps should be set up. The players who join the camp gain confidence, which is beneficial for all of us,” he added.
Sajid also praised Akib Javed for organizing the camp with a strong framework beyond fitness and nutrition.
“Aqib Javed has organized the camp with a strong framework beyond fitness and nutrition, which is a positive step for all concerned,” Khan said.
He also noted that by adding rigorous fitness assessments, players have got a solid platform to improve their conditioning.
“We have taken 19 fitness tests, which was a new experience for us too, but good to keep going. All the facilities offered by Akib Javed make this a valuable initiative,” said Sajid.
“Setting up a camp like this during the summer is a very positive step and we will continue to improve,” he concluded.
For the uninitiated, the red-ball camp is currently underway with 18 players preparing for the upcoming Test assignments and will continue till April 20.
Pakistan’s first red-ball assignment this year will be the two-Test series against Bangladesh, tentatively scheduled for May 8 and May 16, yet to be finalized by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which is expected to confirm details in the coming days.
The national team last played a two-match Test series against South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw. After that, Pakistan did not feature in any red ball cricket.
According to the Pakistan Men’s Future Tour Plan (2023-27), Shaun Masood’s team is next scheduled to tour England for a three-Test series from August 19 to September 13.
Pakistan are likely to tour the West Indies before that England series, with two Tests expected in July and August, while Sri Lanka are set to tour Pakistan for two Tests in November.
New Zealand are scheduled to visit in March 2027 for another two-match Test series.