LAHORE: More than 50 players are currently participating in the National Cricket Academy’s (NCA) red-ball and white-ball camps, and a new 24-test fitness assessment system is being used to assess their physical condition, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Sports and Exercise Medicine Director Javed Mughal said.
Speaking of ongoing camps, the primary purpose of the testing program is to establish baseline data for each player, which helps the medical and performance staff identify areas of individual strength and improvement.
He explained that the data collected allows the PCB to implement structured and personalized development plans for each cricketer.
“Each player is assigned a physiotherapist and a strength and conditioning coach,” Mughal said.
“Our medical staff have been working with players in morning and evening sessions, focusing specifically on injury rehabilitation, improving fitness levels and improving recovery.”
Mughal said the PCB is taking a phased approach to player development to ensure long-term improvements in performance and fitness.
He added that the players attended educational sessions covering diet, nutrition, recovery and anti-doping awareness as part of the comprehensive programme.
If the players perform well, all stakeholders will benefit,” he said.
Reflecting on the progress so far, Mughal noted that the red-ball players had earlier undergone a fitness test in March.
“In the last three months, three or four players have shown a 40 to 50 percent improvement in their fitness and strength,” he concluded.