The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a ten-day training camp for national cricketers in collaboration with the Pakistan Army, starting March 25th and ending April 8th. This unique approach aims to improve the players’ physical fitness and discipline.
The timing of the camp raises concerns due to the players’ packed schedule, following six months of continuous cricket with several upcoming bilateral series leading up to the T20 World Cup. Despite the tight schedule, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the camp’s importance as per ESPNcricinfo, stating, “We have a busy schedule ahead, and we found a window to organize this camp. The Pakistan Army will be involved, and hopefully, they’ll help you out.”
This collaboration isn’t unprecedented. In 2016, Misbah-ul-Haq’s team trained at the Kakul Military Academy before a Test series against England, with the series ending in a draw and Pakistan reaching the top of the Test rankings for the first time.
Naqvi also addressed concerns about player fitness, stating during his address, “I don’t think a single one of you hit a six that went into the stands [during the PSL].” He stressed the need for improvement, highlighting the potential benefits of army involvement.
While the timing of the camp is debatable, the PCB clearly hopes to leverage the collaboration with the army to enhance fitness and discipline before a busy season. The potential impact of the camp, particularly in the context of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, remains to be seen.