LAHORE: Pakistan team players have shared their experience in the eleven-day Kakul physical fitness camp which ended on Saturday, terming it as “highly valuable” and of “tremendous benefit” for their well-being and conditioning as well as team bonding.
As many as 29 players took part in the fitness camp in Abbottabad, established in collaboration with the Pakistan Army, from March 26 to April 6 wherein the cricketers underwent drills aimed at enhancing their mental and physical strength to prepare them for the on-field challenges ahead — most notably home T20I series against New Zealand, the away T20I series against Ireland and England.
The fitness camp witnessed the Men in Green undergoing comprehensive training tailored to elevate their fitness levels, strategic thinking, agility, leadership, and overall performance on the ground.
Reacting to his experience of the training camp, captain Babar Azam termed it as “highly successful” which proved to be “exceptionally valuable” with regards to upcoming challenges.
He said that this was his third boot camp, and with each visit, he has gleaned new insights.
The skipper said that this time, their focus extended beyond physical fitness to encompass team bonding activities and performance-improving lectures.
He said that with the focus on mental resilience, physical conditioning, and teamwork, the training camp reduced injury risks and augmented individual skills and collective team performance.
Babar added that he is confident that they will return to competitive cricket as better, fitter and mentally tougher athletes, thereby enhancing the overall performance.
Elaborating on his time in the camp, star all-rounder Shadab Khan said that he has no doubt that all the players will return with improved fitness levels that will significantly contribute when they take the field in the upcoming challenges
He said that the fitter the players are during the season, the greater their chances of success will be.
Imad Wasim Shares His Experience at Fitness Camp
Imad Wasim, another star all-rounder, said he tremendously benefitted from the fitness camp as the sessions and exercises were markedly different from cricket-related training, but they dedicated extra hours that will benefit them all in match situations.
Imdad said that the camp was also crucial from a team bonding perspective. This closeness will undoubtedly play a major role in the performances.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Naseem Shah expressed hope that after the Kakul camp, he will return as a fitter and more adept athlete.
