PCB tightens fitness test standards for national cricket team players

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised the bar for fitness tests, presenting a new challenge for the national cricket team players, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

According to sources, the fitness test passing criteria have been increased to 60%, compared to the international standard of 50%. The fitness tests will include bench pull, bench press, skinfold measurement, squats, and long jumps. 

Players are required to complete a 2-kilometre run within 8 minutes. For the 3-run drills, a 10-second time frame has been set, requiring players to complete three runs six times with 30-second breaks in between.

Fitness tests were also conducted for a few injured players, focussing on running, long jumps, and the 3-run drills. Among those injured are Wasim Jonior, Shahnawaz Dahani, Arshad Iqbal, Aamir Jamal, Ehsanullah, and Hasan Ali.

Players have been notified about the upcoming fitness tests, which are scheduled for September 7 and 9 in Lahore for those included in the central contract. 

Fitness tests will also be conducted for some centrally contracted cricketers who are not currently in the test squad. The number of players in the central contract is expected to be maintained between 25 and 30.