PCB Implements Rigorous Fitness Tests for Central Contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will implement strict fitness tests to determine the central contracts for the next 12 months. The tests, conducted in Lahore, will involve all currently contracted players and other domestic performers. Coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie stressed the importance of fitness levels in performance.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced it will enforce rigorous fitness tests before awarding central contracts for the upcoming year. The tests, scheduled between September 6 and 8 in Lahore, will include currently contracted players, international, and domestic performers.

The evaluation process will be overseen by white ball head coach Gary Kirsten, alongside the team's physiotherapist and trainer. Following the fitness assessments, the players will head to Faisalabad for the Champions Cup.

According to a trusted source within the board, performance metrics will also be taken into account, although fitness remains the primary criterion. Both Kirsten and co-coach Jason Gillespie have emphasized the necessity of maintaining high fitness standards, following disappointing performances in a recent series against Bangladesh, where inadequate fitness impacted player endurance and intensity.

(With inputs from agencies.)