Babar Azam Mohsin Naqvi for Pakistan. Image Credits: AFP
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made an unusual activity mandatory for the ‘unfit’ Pakistani cricketers. Senior selector and director of high-performance Aaqib Javed issued the latest decision, stating that the players will be required to participate in padel sports during extended training camps at the NCA.
This comes ahead of the Pakistan team’s tour of the West Indies. Pakistan is to play two Tests in the Caribbean, with the series starting from the first game in Tarouba on July 25th and the second Test at Lord’s from August 2nd.
“Padel is simple, enjoyable, and useful for fitness-" Aaqib Javed
In order to improve agility, reflexes, and fielding-specific movement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made padel a required training component at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Players must take part in 40-minute sessions on alternate days.
It has to be determined if playing padel improves Pakistan's fitness levels, but it does increase agility by requiring quick bursts of movement, quick direction changes, and quick lateral footwork.
“The PCB had introduced padel courts at the National Cricket Academy to ensure players had access to modern training and recreational facilities without leaving the premises. The initiative was designed to improve players’ fitness, enhance their overall development, and create a more productive environment during long training camps,” High Performance Director Aaqib Javed told Geo News.
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“Previously, players had to travel to play padel, but that is no longer the case. We want to provide an environment and facilities during long camps that help improve the players’ overall performance,” he added.
Aaqib Javed says it is mandatory for Pakistani players to play padel
Aaqib Javed stated that Padel sport has been made part of the Pakistan players’ training program and training camps, and the players must be involved in playing the sport for a pre-mandated period of time.
“It is not necessary for players to only play cricket during long camps. Padel will be compulsory every alternate day. The sport improves fitness, while its movement patterns are directly linked to fielding, making it highly beneficial for cricketers,” he explained.
Additionally, he stated that the PCB intends to construct basketball courts for the players and a hall that will accommodate indoor games like snooker. As part of the strategy to increase player productivity, Aqib stated that the PCB has already built an AI bowling machine at the academy
According to Aqib, he wants the National Cricket Academy to serve as a second home for cricket players, where they can hone their talents and enhance their general health.
Pakistan arrives in the West Indies for the Test series
Prior to the two-match Test series against the West Indies, which will take place from July 25 to August 6, Pakistan's Test team, captained by Babar Azam, arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday.
Prior to leaving, the team participated in a two-day scenario-based practice match and an intense three-day training camp at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to hone their talents.
Before starting their ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 campaign, Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match from July 18–21.
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